Conducting Chinkon gyo

Meaning of Chinkon gyo

Chinkon gyo embodies “meditation,” “oath,” and “creed.”
The below is conducted in order to understand, believe, and
put these into action. Having members recite them in unison leads to them (their hearts) becoming one.
Confirming the purpose of training and fostering an active attitude towards training leads to far better outcomes than simply engaging in training with no clear purpose

Outline for Executing Chinkon gyo

-As a general rule, Chinkon gyo should be conducted every time training is conducted.

-As a general rule, technique training should be conducted after doing Chinkon gyo.

Procedures for Chinkon gyo

-Have all members line up orderly
-The shuza faces the members, declares that “We will start Chinkon gyo,” and conducts a face-to-face gassho-rei.
-The shuza turns around, conducts a formal call to “bow”, and all members bow facing the same direction.
-The shuza calls for “meditation,” and all recite the meditation.
-After the meditation recitation is finished, a call for “Oath” is done and all recite the oath.

-When the oath recitation is finished, a call for “chakuza” is done, and all assume the chakuza position (in the form of anza, doing anmoku and chosoku.

The shuza stands and circulates while holding the stick. The shuza then gently strikes the shoulders in order to correct members with bad form, and applies the stick to the shoulders and uses his hands to correct posture. Members who have their posture correct perform a gassho-rei while seated.

When the shuza determines that members have conducted enough chosoku (regulated breathing), he strikes the floor with the stick in order to produce a sound. Members do kiai in conjunction with the sound. The shuza immediately calls for members to “stand.”

The shuza then places the stick down and returns to the front of the room.

-The shuza, facing the members, calls for “creed” and the members recite the greed.
-When the recitation is finished, the shuza turns right-about and calls for a “bow” (and return

to position), and all bow facing towards the same direction.
-The shuza again turns right-about to face the members, and declares “we will finish Chinkon Gyo.” -Perform a face-to-face gassho-rei.

How to perform chosoku (regulated breathing)

- Have a straight, correct posture.
- Lightly close your eyes (meimoku)
- As a rule, breath through the nose. Each breath should be

20-30 seconds

(1) breath-in: Quietly and deeply (7 seconds)
(2) spillover: slight escape
(3) keep it held in the lung (3 seconds)
(4) exhalation: slowly exhale 7/10 of your breath (10 seconds) (5) retention: pause when approximately 3/10 remains (3 seconds)

Note: times are approximate.