Keisaku

Keisaku is a special wooden stick that is used by Buddhist monks during meditation practices. The stick is about the size of a ruler, but thicker and is usually made of bamboo or another type of light wood.

During meditation or chanting, if a person feels sleepy or loses concentration, they can hold out their hand to request a strike from the keisaku. The monk who is sitting closest to them will strike their shoulder or back with the keisaku as a form of encouragement to stay awake and focused.

The purpose of the keisaku is to help practitioners stay present and mindful during meditation, as it can be challenging to maintain focus for long periods of time. It is not used to punish or shame individuals, but rather to give them extra motivation to stay in the moment.

Overall, the keisaku is a tool used in Buddhist communities to support people in their spiritual practice, helping them to be more attentive and engaged.