Keisaku

Keisaku (Japanese警策); in the Soto Zen: kyosaku is a stick with the exercising two to three blows are applied to the shoulders (shoulder muscle) in Zen training during prolonged sitting periods.

This stick of warning, sometimes referred to as Aufweckstock or stick of compassion, is designed to help the exerciser, lack of concentration, inattention, drowsiness and stress that may occur with prolonged zazen to overcome. On the one hand it can help the practitioner to return to the sensation and perception of one's body and dissolve by tapping massage a cramped posture, on the other hand, it also serves to strengthen the resolve, unswervingly continue the bodhisattva path and enlightenment.

The sizzling and clapping sound of rushing down Keisaku also has on the other participants an appropriately rousing, stimulating effect (警觉). In more recent times it has become common in most monasteries of Japan, that the recipient of the Keisaku, asks the carrier ( Roshi, meditation director, etc.), walking along the rows of seats by a bow with Gassho to the issue of caning. Both bow to each other before and after. In Rinzai Zen, the meditator leans far to the front that the Keisaku can make the shoulder muscles well defined, in the Soto Zen, where the meditator kyosaku the carrier turns his back, the practitioner leans against the wall.

In circles where Zen is alien to the administration of the Keisaku is often performed as a punishment misunderstood and as an example of the rigor and the Martial Zen into the meeting. In fact, the beats are usually given only at the request of the practitioner. For the practitioners of Keisaku is considered assistance by Manjusri, the sword of wisdom, insight and clarity cut through any delusion.

• Zen
• Cult object