It has long been of assistance for meditators to follow some routine, to settle into exactly the same posture every time.

Some don the same robes or cloths every time, some always face in the same direction or at the same thing and so on. In most cases where there is purposeful intent to meditate; ceramony, procedure or 'Form' is either created or followed. Attention shifts from what is here to what is not. These objects of meditation are not in themselves 'meditation', yet they are vital aids to 'set the tone' or get you in the mood. Trivial aids set low aims yet complicated rules are impossible to follow.

The Middle Way is recommended and in Budo Martial Code the phrase that points to this is - simply "Walk the Path" (without yearning to be on some other path).

The use of various aids as precursor to meditation is valid as that - cue or prompt, however, the meditator is advised to remain alert and does well to remember the Zen adage that "When the finger points at the moon; contemplate the moon, not the finger". Ultimately those who diligently practice meditation may (if they so choose, some choose not) dispense with any or all aids and simply 'meditate' upon or 'in' whatever is [any conditions].