GLOSSARY

Here we use English terms unless there's good reason not to (e.g., since zabuton simply means sitting mat, we just say mat).  Still, there are limits to some translations, and below are some of the non-English, practice-related words one will hear at the Chicago Zen Center:

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Daisan:  One-on-one meeting with a senior student concerning one's practice and practice-related concerns

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Dokusan:  One-on-one meeting with the teacher concerning one's practice, koan work, and the confirmation of insight

    

Gassho:  Hands held palm-to-palm, and, depending on the context, accompanied by a bow

    

Han:  The wooden block that is struck before formal rounds, teisho or chanting

    

Inkin Bell:  The bell that is used to mark time and movement

    

Kentan:  Morning review and greeting of the zendo by the teacher

    

Kesu:  Metal bowl gongs used during chanting and other services

    

Kinhin:  Walking meditation

 

Kyosaku:  The flattened, wooden "encouragement" stick (often, we just say stick)

 

Mokugyo:  Wooden "fish" drum used to keep time during chanting

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Mok-Tok: Hand-held version of the mokugyo

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Rakusu:  The abbreviated robe of the Buddha worn about the neck

 

Teisho:  The formal talk of a Zen teacher

 

Umpan:  Gong sounded for meals

 

Zazen:  Seated meditation

 

Zendo:  Meditation Hall