December 19^th, 2023

Practicing Zen is zazen.
For zazen, a quiet place is suitable.
Lay out a thick mat.
Do not let in drafts or smoke, rain, or dew.
Protect and maintain the place
Where you settle your body.
There are examples from the past
Of sitting on a diamond seat
And sitting on a flat stone covered
With at thick layer of grass.
Day or night the place
Of sitting should not be dark;
It should be kept warm in winter and cool in summer.