Kinhin

Kinhin is a practice within Zen Buddhism that involves walking meditation. It is typically performed in a standing posture, moving slowly and deliberately between two points. The pace of kinhin is generally slower than a normal walk, allowing practitioners to focus on their breath and bodily sensations. The hands are often held in a specific mudra, with the left hand cupped within the right, thumbs touching, and held at waist level.

The purpose of kinhin is to cultivate mindfulness and present moment awareness, much like seated meditation (zazen). It is often done in conjunction with zazen, serving as a way to transition between periods of sitting or to integrate meditative awareness into movement. The repetitive nature of the steps and the focus on physical sensations help to calm the mind and reduce distractions. Kinhin can be practiced individually or in groups, often in a temple setting. The environment, the act of walking, and the internal focus are all considered integral to the practice. It is a way to bring the principles of Zen into all aspects of life, including simple physical actions.