Below you will find a list of resources that may be helpful for establishing your personal practice as well as guidance about how we use these resources at Austin Zen Center.
Sitting at the Austin Zen Center is only a portion of what can be a rich personal practice. Many also put together a personal altar at home as part of their daily practice. The Monastery Store offers a wide selection of items that can help you create yours.
Cushions:
Zen practitioners use two kinds of cushions, a zabuton and a zafu. The zabuton is large, rectangular mat of fabric-covered cotton batting. The zafu is a round cushion used for zazen.
Zafus come in a variety of sizes and configurations. It is important to try out a lot of cushions (at the zendo, e.g.) before investing in one of your own. Ask for advice if unsure, especially for taller cushions and ones with a gel option (the “Mountain Seat”).
For Zendo use, if you wish to bring your own cushion to retreat, please choose black fabric only.
Some practitioners prefer to sit using a seiza bench. This is a small, low bench designed to make sitting in the seiza position—kneeling with legs folded under you—more comfortable.
Sources:
- The Monastery Source
- Dharma Crafts
- San Francisco Zen Center (purchase here if you wish to support our parent temple)
Samue:
Many lay practitioners wear these as part of their practice. In Zen Buddhism, samue are simple matching jacket-and-pants sets worn by monks while doing daily work. They’re usually cotton or linen, loose-fitting, and comfortable.
Blue or Black for lay persons. Please do not wear brown, ochre, or green. Check the sizes carefully, Small is still quite large.
There are a number of Japanese sources, be aware that M and L are often big on smaller people, S size is not always available, and Japanese bodies are shorter waisted than many Americans. Ask for advice if you find a source you wish to order from.
Source:
Oryoki:
This is part of our extended meditation sittings and retreats. You can borrow a set from AZC or bring your own. You can read more about oryoki here.
AZC uses three bowls. If you find a set with 5 that you like, you can use them (we’ll show you what to do with the extras). We do not recommend ceramic bowls. They chip and are noisy to use.
Choose WHITE cloths, which are standard for lay people. You will have to supply a small silicone spatula yourself.
Source:
SFZC also sell bells, incense and other items.