It didn't feel like we were going with the flow. The instructions on how to enter the zendo to meditate sounded more like a military operation.
Enter the zendo with your left foot. Take three steps, then bow with your palms together at your heart. No, don't stand directly in front of the altar. Only the priest does that. Stand to the side. No, not so far forward. Just at the edge of the platform. Perfect!
Now walk straight ahead. On the balls of your feet, so you don't make too much noise. There is a prescribed path through the zendo. Pass this row of zafus (the round black meditation cushions), and turn left. Bow to your zafu. Turn clockwise and bow to the room. Sit on your zafu, then spin clockwise to face the wall.
We learned how to cross our legs, hold our hands, position our eyes for meditation.
With so many rules and formalities, our group was balking. One was an Army brat, another raised in a strict Baptist home. I am a former lawyer, schooled in legal forms. A time to stand up and a time to sit down. Your honor, may it please the court. We have all had enough of rules.
