Online Services

As Covid19 continues to impact our community, we are grateful for the technology that enables us to offer Zen services online. Not only do we continue to serve our existing members, but these online sits also provide access to those who have not or could not attend one of our in-person services prior to these events. Paradoxically, we are able to reach more people now than ever, so for those who are new to the Puget Sound Zen Center, we welcome you. Below you’ll find some information about what to expect during an online session.

Find a comfortable place to sit

The online sessions last at least one hour, so find yourself a quiet place where you will have minimal disruptions. Feel welcome to use the floor, a mat, cushion, or chair. Whatever you need to sit comfortably for 25 minute increments.

Join Zoom

You may enter or leave the service as needed. When you’re ready, join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link – https://zoom.us/j/5117064990. If you’ve never used Zoom before, you will be asked to install the application before joining, which only takes a few seconds. Once you’re in the meeting, you can then share your video or mute/unmute your audio. There may be a few minutes of intros and small talk as people get settled, and then as we’re about to begin the service leader will mute everyone on the call so that we don’t hear each others’ background noise during meditation.

First sit

The service leader will ring the bell three times to start the first sit. We will sit in silent seated meditation for 25 minutes until the bell rings again.

Kinhin (walking meditation) or stretch

Between the first and second sit, there will be 5 minutes for you to stretch your legs by doing a slow walking meditation or stretching, depending on how much space you have.

Second sit

The service leader will ring the bell again to indicate the start of the second sit. We will again sit in silent seated meditation for 25 minutes until the bell.

Chant

To finish, the service leader will lead in the chant of The Four Great Vows. Feel welcome to follow along on page 9 of our chant  book.

Kaihan

Depending on the time of day and year, you may hear a knocking sound during the service. The knocking is what we call the Kaihan, or simply the Han.  We hit the han in the morning, at first light, when you can see the lines on your palm.  After striking it, all the lights go out except the candle on the alter.  It’s also struck at dusk and at the end of the evening. Written on the Han is traditionally something like this:

Life and death are great matters
Time flies like an arrow
Don’t waste your life
Take care, be diligent!