when to sit, stand, bow, etc. during group practice

[Sydney]

I was just in a chat about Treeleaf-ey things while cutting out cloth rectangles, and we hit on the topic of how it's not always entirely clear when to switch back and forth between sitting, standing, prostrations, and the like during formal practice.

In some ways, it's easier in a physical space, because you can try to keep up with the people next to you and even get the occasional quiet signal in advance from someone who knows you'll benefit from a pointer. So, is there a cheat sheet?

[Jundo]

Hi Sydney,

I believe the basic rituals and forms of walking in the Zendo, approaching and straightening the cushion, offering Gassho and such is described in our Guide to Basic Sitting (PDF):

https://sites.google.com/site/jundotreeleaf/TreeleafBasicZazenInstructions.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1

However, you are right that seeing an actual example is good. So, you might see how we do so during our weekly Zazenkai. For example, watch how I sit and then get up during our second period of Zazen. It is a little different, because we sit on a raised platform the Japanese way while most folks in the west will sit on a floor, but no matter.

http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?12218-April-18th-19th-2014-Treeleaf-Weekly-Zazenkai

Also, I encourage everyone to get to sit in a "bricks and mortar" Zendo even once in awhile if they can. However, even there every group does things a little different and in their own way. (My joke is that every Zen group follows a thousands of years old tradition ... just each in their own way! ) No matter, small differences.

Gassho, Jundo

[Myosha]

Hello Jundo,

Accessed the above referenced pdf.

Clearly good. Thank you.


Gassho,
Myosha

[Mp]

file:///C:/Users/J.M.Cohen/Downloads/BuddhistDownload/TreeleafBasicZazenInstructions.pdf

Hey Jundo,

Looks like the link got messed up ... link shows your local drive.

Gassho
Shingen

[Jundo]

Thank you. I believe I fixed it now. Try this ...

https://sites.google.com/site/jundotreeleaf/TreeleafBasicZazenInstructions.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1

Gassho, J

[Mp]

Awesome, we are good to go, thank you Jundo. =)

Gassho
Shingen

Thank you. I believe I fixed it now. Try this ...

https://sites.google.com/site/jundotreeleaf/TreeleafBasicZazenInstructions.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1

Gassho, J

[Sydney]

I tracked it down by the file name, I think, then didn't pop back to the thread to point it out or say thanks. I'm an American stereotype.