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GLOSSARY

Here we use English unless there's good reason not to.  These are some of the non-English, practice-related words one will hear at the Chicago Zen Center:

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

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, 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

 

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

 

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

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