It
has long been of assistance for meditators to follow some routine,
if only to settle into exactly the same posture every time.
Some
don the same robes or cloths every time, some always face
in the same direction or at the same thing and so on. In most
cases where there is purposeful intent to meditate; ceremony,
procedure or 'Form' is either created or followed. Attention
shifts from what is here to what is not. These objects of
meditation are not in themselves 'meditation', yet they are
vital aids to 'set the tone' or get you in the mood. Trivial
aids set low aims yet complicated rules are impossible to
follow.
The
Middle Way is recommended and in Budo Martial Code the phrase
that points to this is - simply "Walk the Path"
(without yearning to be on some other path).
The
use of various aids as precursor to meditation is valid as
that - cue or prompt, however, the meditator is advised to
remain alert and does well to remember the Zen adage that
"When the finger points at the moon; contemplate the
moon, not the finger". Ultimately those who diligently
practice meditation may (if they so choose, some choose not)
dispense with any or all aids and simply 'meditate' upon or
'in' whatever is [any conditions].
