Nyoho is a Japanese term which means literally doing something “in accord with” (nyo) “the Dharma” (ho). More specifically it is about performing even the most mundane actions in a considerate, gracious, but efficient way. If you visit a Zen temple you will find lots of acts of Nyoho, from how people tidy up the cushions, to how the food is served, to how the dishes are washed.

In this lesson I would like to propose bringing Nyoho into your daily homelife routine as a practice.

Personally I find getting ready for bed in the evening to be the easiest time to tune in to Nyoho as at this time everything is done for the day and it is time that most of us can be alone and take our time to luxuriate a little. It is also a great time for gratitude as most of us have access to incredible modern luxuries such as hot showers and affordable personal care products that we can easily take for granted if we don’t actively make space to appreciate them. For example, we can experience standing in the shower washing our hair as anything from a time consuming chore, to an act we are barely even present for, to an incredibly precious moment that reminds us of the impermanence and preciousness of life itself.

The thing about washing our hair or brushing our teeth with the gentleness, efficiency and appreciation of Nyoho is that while the act may simply be to apply the shampoo really thoroughly to our hair and to leave it in for just the right amount of time, or to squeeze the toothpaste carefully so as not to waste it, these acts somehow do feedback to bring us back to reality or literally Nyoho (in accord with the Dharma).

The founder of the Soto Zen school, Dōgen Zenji, wrote one of his most famous essays on Instructions for the Cook (Tenzo Kyōkun 典座教訓), in which he encourages the Tenzo (cook) to prepare the food with Nyoho both to be of benefit to others in the monastery but also as enlightenment itself:

When cooking the vegetable side dishes for the morning gruel, also prepare the platters and tubs used for rice, soup, etc., as well as the various utensils and supplies that will be used for that day's midday meal. Wash them so that they are completely pure and clean, placing up high those that belong in high places and putting down low those that belong in low places. "High places are high and level; low places are low and level." Treat utensils such as tongs and ladles, and all other implements and ingredients, with equal respect; handle all things with sincerity, picking them up and putting them down with courtesy.

So, when you are cooking dinner or getting ready this evening, consider taking some time for Nyoho and see how it feels.

For further reference, Domyo Burk has an excellent two-part podcast on Nyoho where she goes much deeper on the subject, which you can find here.