Zen Vocabulary

Zen — a Japanese form of Mahayana Buddhism which focuses on meditation

Doan — the person who rings the bell during service

Dokusan — a private meeting with the Zen teacher

Ino — the person who leads chants during the service

Mokugyo — the drum used during the service, also refers to the person doing the drumming

Sesshin — an extended meditation retreat of about 3 to 7 days

Zazen — meditation

Zazenkai — an extended meditation retreat of a full day

Zendo — meditation hall