The rakusu is practice attire. It is worn after the first sitting block of the morning for zazen, service, oryoki, daisan or dokusan. The rakusu does not signify practice status, religious affiliation or authority. It symbolizes the karmic connection to a teacher and lineage, which is actualized through practice.
The rakusu should always stay in the zendo or your practice place at home.
The instructions for wearing a rakusu used to be quite simple: “Just look around the zendo and see how it’s done.” Because we can’t always practice in the same place and be guided through observation, instructions are clarified here.
Folding and storing a rakusu
The rakusu is folded in half with the white side facing out. Bring the straps all the way down over the folded rakusu and then fold the collar back up. Hold the folded rakusu by the side with the straps and collar when placing it in your bag. This protects the silk. Always store your rakusu and other Jukai papers in your rakusu bag.
Putting your rakusu on during sesshin
During a sesshin or retreat, rakusu is not worn during the first sitting block in the morning. When the bell rings ending the last period of the first block and chanting of the Verse of the Kesa begins, take your folded rakusu from the bag and place it on top of your head. Continue chanting the verse three times with your hands in gassho. At the end of the verse, take the rakusu from your head, touch it lightly to your forehead and put it on.
For the start of other sitting blocks during a retreat day, walk to your seat in the zendo and go into choki (kneeling). Take the rakusu from its bag, touch it lightly to your forehead and put it on. Then take your sitting position.
The rakusu will hang over your mudra (hand position) in zazen and kinhin.
Putting your rakusu on when not in sesshin
When not in sesshin, you may still wear your rakusu for zazen. The first time any day that you put on a rakusu, go into choki, take the rakusu from its bag and place it on your head. With hands in gassho, say the Verse of the Kesa to yourself only one time. Then touch the rakusu lightly to your forehead and put it on. Take your sitting position.
But what if?
If you go to the bathroom during sesshin, take off your rakusu and place it on the outer doorknob or hook, if provided. Hang it with the name side out so that others will know you are inside.
If the stitches in your rakusu come loose, just re-sew it.
If it becomes soiled, lost, or wears out, you may sew a new one. Washing is never recommended, so be mindful of how you treat it.
In summary, care for your rakusu as you care for yourself. They are not two.