Kinhin - Walking Meditation

When we gather for Zen practice, we sit for 2-3 periods of zazen alternating with 5-10 minutes of walking meditation, called kinhin. Kinhin gives you the opportunity to get circulation in your legs moving again, but it is not a stroll or a break in practice of Zen. While you are walking, your attention is on your walking in harmony with others, breathing, being where you are right here, right now. If you start daydreaming or thinking, bring your attention back to your legs walking, your breath, the harmony of walking together.

There is a kinhin leader who will start the group practice by striking wooden clappers. Begin and end kinhin with your hands in gassho, palms together at chest-height as shown in the photo below. Once the kinhin line is out of the zendo, the kinhin leader will strike the clappers as a signal to move your hands to the walking position.

During kinhin, gently wrap the fingers of your left hand around your thumb and place your fist against your solar plexus, (below your breastbone). Lightly cover your left hand with your right. The mindful hand position is called shashu. Walk in a straight line following the kinhin leader. Your eyes are soft as they are during zazen sitting meditation. Follow the person in front of you at arm’s length, closing any gaps in the line, and pay attention to your walking and the group’s pace. Walk in a slow and natural way, until the kinhin leader indicates a change in pace with the kinhin clapper sticks.

If walking is uncomfortable or difficult, you can opt out of kinhin. The kinhin period is also an appropriate time to use the restroom or see to other personal needs, find a place in the zendo if you arrived late, or leave early.