Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘You are free during the Hour of the Wild Boar (9 pm to 11 pm). Although this is free time, act in accordance with your aspiration and sit if you like, lie down if you like. Or if you wish, return to the dormitory and take comfort in talking over the buddha dharma with others. These are the best things to do. Needless to say, a quiet atmosphere should be maintained if you sit. Also, if you return to the dormitory and lie down, do so as the Buddha did. Do not think of sleeping as a trifling thing compared to zazen or sutra-chanting. The Buddha’s sleeping posture is as follows; lie down on your right side and do not untie the belt of your robe. Do not think of the buddha-dharma, much less of things having to do with life and death. Just sleep. Then, the karma of life and death is exhausted, and your body and mind are nothing but the buddha ancestors.’ (Juniji-hogo: On Practicing Throughout the Day)

Japanese monastic regulations from the time of Dogen are formidably intense; nevertheless, the admonition on sleeping is worth reflecting on.