Tag Archives: buddhism

Japanese culture highlight: “seiza” (正座) – Traditional Japanese sitting posture

“Seiza” is a Japanese traditional way of sitting which has been around since the Edo Period (17th century), and involves kneeling so that ones knees touch the floor, with feet are folded underneath, resting roughly below the spine. See this page for a picture of people sitting in a group in seiza. There are different variations… Read More »

Japanese culture focus: Understanding what a “Torii” gate is and what it isn’t

When learning about a foreign culture, sometimes you experience a shift of perspective where what you thought you knew was wrong, or at least incomplete. One place this is common is where your only knowledge about a foreign culture is through the biased lens of another country (probably where you were brought up). One important… Read More »