YEAR OF ZEN: AUTUMN: DAY 66

A scene of the Chapter "Yadori Gi"( mistletoe ) of Illustrated handscroll of Tale of Genji (written by Murasaki Shikibu)

Q: In Zen, three bells begin and a period of meditation and two bells signal the time to stand up. The space between the bells is important. How so?

A: I would venture the guess that the space between bells is important because it is intended to draw focus and attention on the present moment that exists in between the bells. It could serve as an anchor point that keeps and maintains awareness, and not on the clouds of random thought that might be floating by. Through this practice, I can imagine a more grounded and mindful practice taking root and shape.