Good Morning Everyone,
This morning I want to talk about Kinhin. Kinhin is walking meditation. It is essentially stillness in motion. There is a formal and informal version of this practice. Formal Kinhin is practiced in the Zendo between sitting periods. Informal kinhin is practiced anywhere at anytime.
Formal Kinhin should be done in the following way. Standing at your cushion, facing the wall, place your hands in gassho (prayer-like hand gesture), with elbows extended and forearms horizontal to the floor. Then bow from the waist. Turn to your right. Close your left hand into a fist with thumb surrounded by your fingers. Place your right hand on top as if to cover it like a shield. With elbows extended, forearms should remain horizontal to the floor. Step off with your right foot. Each step should be like a half step and very slow. Kinhin is practiced slowly and mindfully. Breathing in, we step, breathing out, we step. Our attention should be on our presence as we walk.
Typically Kinhin is practiced by walking around the interior of the Zendo following the practice leader. This can be a set amount of time or a set number of rotations. In any case, remain present and awake.
Informal Kinhin can be practiced anywhere and it is a real favorite of mine. Step slowly, but deliberately, with hands easy and relaxed either at one's side or in an informal clasped hand gesture, left cradled in right. If you are wearing your rakusu (short robe), your hands should be under it. Walk with your mind on your walking. Notice your feet touch the earth, rise and fall as you walk. Notice the sounds in the air, the smells, the sights of the earth before you.
If you are in a store, say grocery shopping, move slowly with your cart. Feel the products you examine, Notice how you place them in your cart. Smile to others, but remain focused on being present. We practice being free and easy in the marketplace this way.
Sometimes I practice kinhin while running, by placing my complete attention on my feet and breath. Noticing my body as it moves, feeling the wind as it passes over my skin, and so forth. I often listen to my brace as it squeaks when I walk or run. Try to avoid patterns, stay in the exact moment. Patterns make for sleepy Zen.
Practice Kinhin today and let me know about your experience.
Be well.
Rev. Dr. So Daiho Hilbert-roshi
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