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Isthmus Zen Community Organization
Moktak Master
The Moktak Master assists the Head Dharma Teacher by being responsible for
opening and closing the altar and leading chanting meditation. The Moktak Master role is assigned
for specified periods of one to three months. Within the Isthmus Zen Community organization, the Moktak Master:
- Arrives early for evening practice (no later than 6:15
p.m. for 6:30 practice)
- If Moktak Master must miss evening practice, is responsible
for finding alternate or informing co-abbot
- Checks the altar for incense, matches, and candles,
and checks the water bowl for water
- Checks for adequate supply of chanting books in Dharma
Room
- Hits the moktak five minutes before formal practice
to call everyone to the Dharma Room
- At the HDT's signal to begin practice, opens the altar
by lighting candles and incense, uncovering the water dish, and stepping
back three steps for a standing bow
- Chanting books are handed out after the candles are
lit. The Moktak Master (or assigned alternates) hand them out while walking
around the interior of the square formed by the sitting mats.
- Bows again to altar and picks up moktak to lead chanting
- Alternately, bows again to altar, picks up moktak,
and walks moktak to someone who can lead chanting
- At end of Evening Bell Chant, strikes moktak and waits
for Evening Bell person to return to their mat before beginning chanting
- Leads chanting, announcing each chant and page number,
and keeps rhythm for the chants with the moktak
- At the end of chanting, replaces the moktak on the
altar, uses the candle snuffer to put out the candles, and replaces the lid
on the water bowl
- Collects chanting books at the end of chanting, or
if newcomers are present, after Four Great Vows and conclusion of practice
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