I have been wanting to bring this subject for some time. I observe that most of the general training-practice activities we see in Zen (indeed Buddhism as a whole) are also a natural result of sitting practice (Zazen, or if you prefer, meditation). Take for example brushing teeth or washing. We are told to be mindful and appreciative while undertaking these daily activities. There are also a host of other guidelines; don’t think in terms of good and bad, be considerate, compassionate, don’t pick the wild flowers just observe them, when walking just walk, be mindful of each morsel of food. The list goes on and on. The key words are ‘be’ ‘do’ ‘dont’ all being clear directions on ‘how to be’ should we wish to advance on the path. – in fact HOW to walk the path. These instruction even extend into our sitting; watch the breath, look into the mind, seek our your true nature .............
Yet ,with very few exceptions, all of these are a natural progression from sitting practice. Most practitioners having no knowledge of typical Zen protocol who were taught to sit and only to sit with reasonable regularity would develop most of this ‘essential behaviour ‘ without ever being told to. It makes one wonder if somehow, somewhere along the way the traditional training system got its’ wires crossed.

Regards

m