Traditional Zen does not bind seated meditation to a single fixed time or place, yet it does recognize conditions that are especially supportive. Early morning, before the mind is fully entangled in daily affairs, is often regarded as particularly beneficial, and evening practice is also common. What is emphasized more than the exact hour is regularity: returning to the cushion at consistent times each day cultivates steadiness of mind more reliably than occasional, longer efforts. In this way, time becomes less a rigid rule and more a rhythm that gently shapes the practitioner’s life.

Similarly, the place of practice is not absolutely prescribed, but certain environments are traditionally favored because they foster stillness and attentiveness. A quiet, clean, and uncluttered space with minimal distractions is considered ideal, whether in a formal meditation hall or a simple corner of a home. Many practitioners sit facing a blank wall or plain surface, allowing the absence of visual stimulation to mirror the simplicity sought within. Over time, a dedicated space used primarily for meditation begins to carry a subtle atmosphere of calm, supporting the mind each time one sits down.

Yet the teachings also stress flexibility: while optimal conditions are helpful, they are not a precondition for genuine practice. Zazen can be undertaken wherever circumstances allow, provided there is a stable seat and a posture that supports alertness. What ultimately matters is not the perfection of external conditions but the sincerity and continuity of engagement. Time and place, then, are skillful means rather than strict requirements, serving as a framework within which the heart of meditation—steady, attentive presence—can gradually deepen.