- Yin Jiàn (Upasaka) - Courtney Gibbons (Doan) - Paula Volkmann (Doan) - Jesse Burke (Doan) ~ currently on leave - Yin Shàn ~ in training
Phone Contact
Courtney (402) 478-8821 Paula (402) 327-0000 Yin Jiàn (402) 304-1940 Yin Shàn (402) 450-1134
Doans (bell ringers) at Lotus Temple may also become certified meditation leaders (Upasaka) as needed for leading satellite groups. Though neither Doans nor Upasakas are entitled to teach or give Dharma talks, they may conduct brief Gatha or Sutra chanting at the end of meditation and/or present a short reading from an authorized Dharma book.
Logistics
Preparation
Please always arrive at least 15 minutes prior to meditation time. This will allow you to introduce someone new to zen meditation and/or set up for meditation
Please refer to the procedures of initial training. Newcomers have been instructed to come prepared (by having visited the Meditation Trainingpage on this web site) and to arrive 15 minutes before their first meditation time.
Open the Zendo door. Leave open throughout.
Switch altar lights and rope lights on. Light the candles. Burn incense, if you like. This makes a nice meditation ambiance.
You are encouraged to wear a meditation robe, but always wear your Khata or Rakusu.
Keep the Dokusan door closed during meditation.
Meditation
Ensure that all meditants follow etiquette and proper meditation postures. Gently correct them as necessary.
After the sitting, choose a short Gatha and give a brief Dharma reading. You will find a booklet near the Doan seat.
After meditation
Extinguish all candles. Incense not finished will burn out safely in the sand box.
Record the number of meditants, including yourself. The book is in the adjacent Dokusan room
Turn off altar lights & all other lights in the Zendo.
If the fan is running, turn it off.
Straighten out zabutons & safus as needed.
Close the Zendo door upon leaving
Turn off hallway lights.
Before you leave the building (after all meditants have left), please lock the front door, then leave through the locked back door
Doans may wear a special meditation robe during meditation. It can be distinguished from the Hia-Qing as it has a long and wide sleeve as well as a button in the front of the neck.
The Hia-Qing is reserved for Upasaka. There are specific procedures for putting it on and taking it off. There are also slight differences in various traditions. You can review the video to the left for practice. If this is not sufficient, please ask for a short in-person training. If all else fails, you can always wear just a simple meditation robe.
All robes are located in the Dokusan room. Please always dress in the Dokusan room.
