Kyosaku

“The kyosaku (long flat stick carried by zendo monitors during periods of zazen) is used only when a sitter explicitly requests it for relief of shoulder, back or neck tension. Its use is an expression of compassion. To request the kyosaku, put your hands in gassho as the monitor approaches your seat. When the monitor stops in front or behind you, the two of you gassho, together. Offer one shoulder by bending your head to the side, and then offer the other. After the monitor has struck both acupressure points, bow again and the monitor will move on. The use of the kyosaku serves to keep the atmosphere in the zendo crisp and awake.”