Jikijitsu

A jikijitsu (直日^?) is the individual in charge of directing monks to the zendo to sit zazen in a Japanese Zen monastery. Their position is that of head monk, and they are generally regarded as strict disciplinarians. Their position is considered most desirable to hold in the meditation hall. The jikijitsu also ensures that the monks get to sleep and wake up on time according to a strict protocol. During zazen, the jikijitsu will walk around the zendo wielding a keisaku (or, Zen stick), which is used to strike a student's back when they have lost focus. These strikes are generally not violent, and will often relieve muscle cramps for the individual being struck. In the Rinzai school, the jikijitsu may strike a student without a student's request if they feel the student has gone astray. In the Sōtō school, a student will ask for a blow by placing both palms together as the jikijitsu walks in front of them.^[1][2][3]

See also

• Jikido
• Jisha
• Sanzen

Notes

References

• Gard, Richard A. (2007). Buddhism. Gardners Books. ISBN 0548077304. http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/176932841&referer=brief_results. 
• Kushner, Kenneth (2000). One Arrow, One Life: Zen, Archery, Enlightenment. Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 0804832463. http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/45381513&referer=one_hit. 
• Rohlen, Thomas P.; Gerald K. LeTendre (1996). Teaching and Learning in Japan. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0521651158. http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/41430994&referer=one_hit.