Definition
A slow or attentive walk where the sensations of the body, the pace of the steps and the environment become support of presence.
It can be very slow in a quiet or simply attentive place on an ordinary journey. The look remains open and the priority remains the safety of the terrain.
To be retained
- Keep your eyes open
- Adapt speed and terrain
- Feeling rather than performing
- Respect other users
Origin of the term and context
The careful march appears in various forms in Buddhist traditions; kinhin refers in particular to the march between periods of zazen. It is not confused with all pilgrimage marches.
Why does it matter?
Walking is a physical activity accessible to many and attention can enrich the experience. The benefits are not specific to a ritual speed and depend on health and context.
- Keep your eyes open
- Adapt speed and terrain
- Feeling rather than performing
- Respect other users
How can it be explored or practised?
- Walk ten minutes without a phone
- Successive sense of contact, transfer and support
- Return to the sounds when the mind leaves
- Choose a safe and accessible route
Misconceptions and points of caution
- Do not practice closed eyes.
- Walking is not a substitute for re-education.
- A natural place may present real risks.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Zen: kinhin between the seats.
- Theravāda: Be careful about movements and sensations.
- Pilgrimage: a walk directed towards a place and a religious intention.
To go further
- Peace is at every step — Thich Nhat Hanh
- Meditation guides theravāda