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After the strike, pause for a brief moment, and then step forward, using your left foot. 
The pace for kinhin should be very slow to give you the opportunity to explore exerting
your practice during the activity of walking. The steps are short, with the end of the heel placed
next to the large joint at the base of the big toe of the opposite foot. Your feet should be a few
inches apart, rather than being placed as though you were walking on a tightrope. 
The Hatto and Zendo at Dainen-ji are large and we spend approximately 13 minutes
walking in kinhin between each sitting round. If you are sitting a retreat in your home, you may
need to walk around the room several times. 
Using the Washroom During Kinhin
If you need to use the washroom during kinhin, walk in kinhin to the door and place the kaishaku
on a zabuton next to the door. When you come back, pick them up and continue to walk around
the room. If you are sitting a retreat with another student, you can pass the kaishaku to the other
student before leaving and then retrieve them when you come back. You should be gone only for
as long as it takes you to do what you really need to do. 
Ending the Kinhin Round
The round began at your seat, and so it ends when you reach it again. Strike the kaishaku twice in
rapid succession. Pause, and then begin to take your seat. 
Taking your Seat with the Kaishaku
Still holding the kaishaku, step on to your zabuton. Lower yourself into seiza, (a kneeling
posture) lower the kaishaku, transfer them to one hand and place them on the cushion next to your
seat. As you put them down, there should be no sound. Make sure they are centered on the
cushion. 
Fold your hands on your lap, pause for a moment, and then arrange yourself on your zafu.