An important component of this intentionally, clean and spare corner is an altar. Some recommended accouterments to be placed on the altar (which as a member of the life-long Catholic faith feels odd to write here) are incense, pictures, flowers, and maybe a bowel of water--each for a different reason. For the first four days of the Big Sit I have set up a very simple altar made using a colonial American style bench that my wife had used in the living room of her previous (pre-marital) home. Unable to find incense (without going to a "head shop," a place that would make me extremely uncomfortable) I purchased a lightly scented candle. I had attempted to find some pictures of a Bodhisattva or teacher from he Zen lineage to place on the altar--not to be prayed TO but to reflection on as an example--but unable to do so I placed a picture of the Dalia Llama I had in an old magazine. That was it, for now.
Early this morning before work I stopped at a supermarket for some yogurt for lunch and noticed a medium sized wooden bowl for sale at an inexpensive price, so purchased it. Following school I drove by a local poster shop which was open (it hadn't been earlier in the week) and went in to look around with only the $2.10 I had been able to scrounge up in my car. I though maybe I'd find a single postcard or picture I could place on the altar with the bowl of water. Luckily, I did indeed find two postcards (total price, $2.05) which I bought , placed carefully in my jacket (it was raining out) and headed the remainder of my way home.
I must confess to an odd feeling of satisfaction and anticipation as I placed these objects on the altar and began to consider a sit...
Laissez les bon temps rouler!
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