Not only is oneself's cleanliness important but the environment surrounding oneself should be manitained to a high standard also. An example of this is the cleanliness of Rinzai temples. Through the cleaning of the temple and it's surrounding gardens, one can rid oneself of external distractions creating an inner calm. Zazen' is Japanese and refers to the practice of sitting erect, cross-legged and meditating. The hands are usually placed in the lap with the back perfectly straight.
Movement ceases and concentration is focused on the inner self.
It is believed through this rigorous meditation that the teachings of Buddha can be fully understood. The hustle and bustle of every day life keep us so busy that we don't have time to sit and think about ourselves. It has become a recurring theme with the young of today that their lives are missing something, they seem to be searching for something but cannot find it. T his raises some questions. Priest Ishiko of Daioh Temple believes so.