1. And for those who may feel that a Buddhist temple is required for a proper meditative atmosphere, Zen provides a small sample of the wide variety of places in which meditation can take place. (Fortunately, the Zazen position is not strictly required, as it would be dangerous in at least one of the suggested venues.) Finally, there is a simple lesson with a simple (sand and rock) garden.

2. Visitors are first given an introduction to the Zazen posture –a yoga–like seating position– and then taught to concentrate on the rhythm of their own breathing by synchronizing inhalation and exhalation with the movement of an animated candle flame. (Those with older processors or modems may not wish to adhere absolutely to these instructions, as an especially slow–running animation might result in feeling a bit light–headed.) Having brought its guests to a preliminary state of peace (though the exercise does end rather abruptly if you‘re in the moment), Zen goes on to explain that a relaxed attitude may open practitioners to experiencing such sensations as the sounds that are normally ignored in daily life.