Within the tradition described by Shunryu Suzuki in *Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind*, the length of a sitting period is treated as a practical matter rather than a rigid rule. A typical period of zazen in this context is about forty minutes, sometimes expressed as a range of roughly thirty to forty minutes. This reflects a preference for steady, sustainable practice over heroic or overly strenuous efforts. The emphasis falls on regularity and stability, allowing meditation to become a natural part of daily life rather than an exceptional or extreme undertaking.

Suzuki’s guidance suggests that the true measure of a sitting period is not the clock alone, but the quality of attention and posture that can be maintained throughout. The duration is therefore understood as a skillful means: long enough to settle body and mind, yet not so long that strain or restlessness overwhelms the practice. Beginners are encouraged to approach this standard gradually, recognizing that consistency over time is more valuable than forcing extended sittings prematurely. In this way, the recommended length serves as a kind of container, supporting a balanced, sustainable engagement with zazen rather than becoming an end in itself.