ALTAR

I bought a small black metal side table and a couple of bamboo cutting boards at IKEA to build a simple and inexpensive home altar. ("Practice" is my word for 2026.)



The altar is ready for shikantaza ("just sitting").



I also purchased a 4-inch camphor-wood mokugyo (fish drum) for chanting at home.

PRACTICE

My word for 2026 is "practice."

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On a draw, I caught my left hand with the edge of the sword. If it had been a live blade, I would have lost my four fingers and half of my palm (where the blade lies across my hand). I think I know what I did wrong and 舌 gave me a strong bite for good measure (and to remember). Hence the need for practice!