zendo - an informal name for a temple, center or room where instruction and practice of Zen take place. It may be a shortened form of Zen dojo (like judo dojo or karate dojo) or place for practicing the "Way" of Zen.

dharma - the law of universal truth as realized and expressed by the Buddha

Dokusan - one to one interview with a Zen priest

The Heart Sutra - Maha-prajnaparamita-hridaya- sutra - the shortest of the forty sutras that constitute the Prajnaparamita -sutra. It is one of the most important sutras of Mahayana Buddhism containing the essence of the truth as realized by the Buddhas

Teisho - literally public case - the presentation of Zen realization by a Zen priest.

sesshin - literally "original mind" - an intense meditation retreat where participants re-enact Gautama's sitting and walking meditation which lead to his awakening.

sangha - harmonious community - the community of Zen practitioners or in a bigger sense the brotherhood and sisterhood of all beings including the insentient

kinhin - Walking meditation

zazen - sitting meditation

kyosaku - a hardwood stick used by a meditation hall attendant to straighten postures or upon request to strike the shoulder muscles in order to assist Zazen practitioners.

zafu - a round meditation cushion which is vital in elevating the hips so that the knees can drop to the floor such that a stable three point base can be established for Zazen practice.

zabuton - a flat square meditation cushion placed under a zafu during Zazen practice.

bodhisattva - one who has taken the vow to assist all beings to realize awakening before entering nirvana themselves

samadhi - literally "to establish or make firm" - the mountain still state or the non dualistic state of being completely present within the moment

bodhi tree - the tree under which Gautama practiced Zazen leading to his awakening

dana - generosity - one of the six paramitas or perfections.

buddha nature - one's original nature

doan - the person who keeps time during meditation and chanting using the gongs in a meditation hall

gassho - a shallow bow used to express gratitude

koan - a public case - an illogical riddle or exchange between a Zen teacher and their student to assist in coming to awakening

ino - the person who is in charge of zazen training of the meditation hall

kensho - an expression for the experience of awakening

makyo - delusion

Noble Eightfold Path - the path taught be Shakyamuni Buddha for those who wish to awaken to the truth of existence

prajna paramita/perfection of wisdom - expressed in the Zazen posture during meditation removing the barrier or separation from between oneself and other

sensei - teacher

three jewels - the Buddha, dharma and sangha