Work Practice: Zendo Duties
Work practice enhances concentration and mindfulness, refining our character and personality while supporting the functioning of the Sangha.
Members of the Louisville Zen Center may receive training for various zendo roles. Once you are trained or in training for a specific role, you can volunteer for that position at IBY or HPWZ. If you’re interested in training for one of the roles listed below, please speak with Ven. Jissai Prince-Cherry.
- Set-up – Assists with preparing the IBY zendo before the Sunday sitting begins and may also greet and orient newcomers.
- Shut-down – Helps with closing down IBY after Sunday sittings.
- Chant Sheets – Distributes and collects chant books or chant sheets.
- Incense and Candles – Lights candles and/or incense as needed for sittings and services.
- Block – Strikes the han (wooden block) to signal the start of zazen, a formal Zen talk, or chanting.
- Mokugyo – Plays the mokugyo (fish drum) during chanting services.
- Lead Chanter – Introduces chants and strikes bells during services and ceremonies.
- Timer – Rings zazen warning bells, strikes the clappers, and keeps time during zazen.
- Monitor – Ensures the sitting schedule runs smoothly and upholds the zendo’s atmosphere of silence and stillness. Manages zendo tasks by either inviting volunteers or performing them oneself. Sets the pace for kinhin, and faces outward during zazen. If authorized, may correct posture, answer basic sitting questions, or offer encouragement talks or the encouragement stick.