How Zen Monasteries Tell Time

The person in charge of keeping time in a Zen temple is called the jikido. After the final evening meditation, at all the zendos where I&rsquo;ve sat in the US, the jikido chants the evening gatha: Let me respectfully remind you: Life and death are of supreme importance. Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost. Each of us should strive to awaken. Awaken! Take heed: Do not squander your…