Written Resources
Dogen's Shobogenzo Volume 1
Dogen's Shobogenzo Volume 2
Dogen's Shobozenzo Volume 3
Dogen's Shobogenzo Volume 4
Dogen's Shobogenzo Volume 2
Dogen's Shobozenzo Volume 3
Dogen's Shobogenzo Volume 4
The Practice of Perfection
terebess.hu/zen/mesterek/pra.pdf
Zen: The Authentic Gate
terebess.hu/zen/mesterek/au.pdf
terebess.hu/zen/mesterek/pra.pdf
Zen: The Authentic Gate
terebess.hu/zen/mesterek/au.pdf
Zen Terms for Beginners
Ango
A three-month term of training for students of Soto Zen Buddhism. The training includes Zazen - seated Zen meditation, study, ceremonies and work periods.
Awakening
Bodhi: a state of mind that is fully and accurately aware. To have (or be in the state of ) bodhi is to be a buddha, an “awakened one,” free from the delusion.
Bessu
Socks worn during ceremonies.
Bodhisattva
Any person following the path to Buddhahood and awakening (enlightenment).
Dana
Offerings to the sangha taking the form of financial offerings, food, work, or practice materials.
Dharma
Universal truths; the teachings of Buddhism.
Dharma name
Buddhist name given upon receiving the precepts.
Dharma talk
A talk about Buddhist teachings.
Dharma Transmission
The series of rites to share the subtle teachings received from the Buddhas and Ancestors to the student from the teacher.
Doan
A practitioner who leads ceremonies with instruments.
Dokusan
A formal interview with dharma teachers.
Doshi
The person who officiates at ceremonies.
Eko
A dedication chanted at the end of the service, dedicating the merit of the practice to all beings.
Gassho
Holding the hands at chin height with palms pressed together. The tips of the fingers should be at the height of the nose. Literally means “palms together”.
Ino
The Ino performs all the chanting during periods of zazen or a service.
Jisha
The attendant of Doshi.
Jukai
A ceremony where the student receives the 16 Bodhisattva precepts. The student will receive their lineage papers (known as kechimyaku).
Kessei
See definition for “Ango”.
Kinhin
Very slow walking meditation, normally taking place between two periods of zazen.
Mokugyo
A drum made of wood and in the shape of a fish. It is used during ceremony to set the pace of the chants.
Mudra
A ritual hand positions or gestures.
Okesa
A rectangular patched robe made and worn by monks and is given at the ordination ceremony. It is worn draped over the left shoulder.
Oryoki
A set of eating Buddha bowls wrapped in a cloth and used for formal zendo meals symbolizing the Buddha’s head.
Rakusu
A smaller version of the patched robe (okesa) suspended from cloth straps and worn around the neck. A student typically hand sews their rakusu and receives it from their teacher at the jukai ceremony.
Rohastu sesshin
A sesshin that commemorates Buddha’s enlightenment (December 8).
Samu-e
A robe worn during work practice.
Sangha
A group of teachers, followers, and supporters of Buddhism, including monks and nuns.
Seiza
A sitting position where one kneels and sits on their heels.
Sesshin
An intensive meditation retreat that lasts 7 days.
Shashu
A way of holding the hands when performing kinhin. The left hand gently makes a fist around the left thumb and is held against the body at the bottom of the breastbone. The right hand covers the left.
Shikantaza
“Just sitting” (shikantaza 祇管打坐) is meditation with no thought of gaining awakening.
Sutra
A scripture regarded as having been spoken by Buddhas and Ancestors.
Tabi
Socks with split toes worn during ceremonies, etc.
Tenzo
The head of the kitchen.
Zabuton
A square or rectangular floor cushion used for meditation.
Zafu
A round cushion used for zazen.
Zazen
Seated meditation.
Zendo
A hall dedicated to meditation practice.
Ango
A three-month term of training for students of Soto Zen Buddhism. The training includes Zazen - seated Zen meditation, study, ceremonies and work periods.
Awakening
Bodhi: a state of mind that is fully and accurately aware. To have (or be in the state of ) bodhi is to be a buddha, an “awakened one,” free from the delusion.
Bessu
Socks worn during ceremonies.
Bodhisattva
Any person following the path to Buddhahood and awakening (enlightenment).
Dana
Offerings to the sangha taking the form of financial offerings, food, work, or practice materials.
Dharma
Universal truths; the teachings of Buddhism.
Dharma name
Buddhist name given upon receiving the precepts.
Dharma talk
A talk about Buddhist teachings.
Dharma Transmission
The series of rites to share the subtle teachings received from the Buddhas and Ancestors to the student from the teacher.
Doan
A practitioner who leads ceremonies with instruments.
Dokusan
A formal interview with dharma teachers.
Doshi
The person who officiates at ceremonies.
Eko
A dedication chanted at the end of the service, dedicating the merit of the practice to all beings.
Gassho
Holding the hands at chin height with palms pressed together. The tips of the fingers should be at the height of the nose. Literally means “palms together”.
Ino
The Ino performs all the chanting during periods of zazen or a service.
Jisha
The attendant of Doshi.
Jukai
A ceremony where the student receives the 16 Bodhisattva precepts. The student will receive their lineage papers (known as kechimyaku).
Kessei
See definition for “Ango”.
Kinhin
Very slow walking meditation, normally taking place between two periods of zazen.
Mokugyo
A drum made of wood and in the shape of a fish. It is used during ceremony to set the pace of the chants.
Mudra
A ritual hand positions or gestures.
Okesa
A rectangular patched robe made and worn by monks and is given at the ordination ceremony. It is worn draped over the left shoulder.
Oryoki
A set of eating Buddha bowls wrapped in a cloth and used for formal zendo meals symbolizing the Buddha’s head.
Rakusu
A smaller version of the patched robe (okesa) suspended from cloth straps and worn around the neck. A student typically hand sews their rakusu and receives it from their teacher at the jukai ceremony.
Rohastu sesshin
A sesshin that commemorates Buddha’s enlightenment (December 8).
Samu-e
A robe worn during work practice.
Sangha
A group of teachers, followers, and supporters of Buddhism, including monks and nuns.
Seiza
A sitting position where one kneels and sits on their heels.
Sesshin
An intensive meditation retreat that lasts 7 days.
Shashu
A way of holding the hands when performing kinhin. The left hand gently makes a fist around the left thumb and is held against the body at the bottom of the breastbone. The right hand covers the left.
Shikantaza
“Just sitting” (shikantaza 祇管打坐) is meditation with no thought of gaining awakening.
Sutra
A scripture regarded as having been spoken by Buddhas and Ancestors.
Tabi
Socks with split toes worn during ceremonies, etc.
Tenzo
The head of the kitchen.
Zabuton
A square or rectangular floor cushion used for meditation.
Zafu
A round cushion used for zazen.
Zazen
Seated meditation.
Zendo
A hall dedicated to meditation practice.
