The correct posture for Zazen, or Zen meditation, is foundational to the practice and is designed to promote both physical stability and mental clarity. The posture begins with sitting on a cushion (zafu) placed on a mat (zabuton). The legs are typically crossed in the full lotus (kekkafuza), half l...
The cosmic mudra, also known as the universal mudra, is a foundational hand position in Zen meditation. It is designed to create a sense of balance, focus, and connection during your practice. To position your hands correctly, sit in a comfortable meditation posture, such as the lotus or half-lotus ...
When practicing Zazen, or Zen meditation, it is natural for the mind to wander. The key is not to resist or judge these wandering thoughts but to gently guide your focus back to your meditation object. Typically, this object is your breath or a specific point of awareness, such as counting breaths o...
Counting breaths is a foundational practice in Zen meditation, offering numerous benefits for both beginners and experienced practitioners. This technique helps cultivate focus, calm the mind, and deepen awareness. By counting each breath, you create a simple yet powerful anchor for your attention, ...
A Zafu cushion is a traditional round meditation cushion used in Zen meditation to support proper posture and enhance focus. Its primary role is to elevate the hips slightly above the knees, allowing the spine to align naturally and promoting a stable, comfortable seated position. This elevation red...
Observing thoughts without judgment during Zazen is a foundational practice in Zen meditation. The goal is not to suppress or control thoughts but to witness them with a sense of detachment. This practice cultivates mindfulness and helps you develop a deeper understanding of your mind. By observing ...
Transitioning from counting breaths to simply observing them is a natural progression in Zen meditation. This shift allows you to deepen your practice by moving from a structured technique to a more open and intuitive awareness. Counting breaths is often used as an anchor for beginners to stabilize ...
Zazen, or seated Zen meditation, is a practice rooted in mindfulness and awareness. However, distractions are a natural part of the process, especially for beginners. Common distractions during Zazen include wandering thoughts, physical discomfort, external noises, and emotional turbulence. These di...
The half-lotus and full-lotus positions in Zazen, or Zen meditation, serve as foundational postures that promote physical stability, mental focus, and a deep connection to the present moment. These seated positions are designed to create a balanced and grounded posture, allowing the practitioner to ...
Deepening focus during Zen meditation requires a combination of disciplined practice, mental clarity, and physical awareness. Zen meditation, or Zazen, emphasizes sitting in stillness and observing the mind without attachment. To enhance your focus, begin by creating a conducive environment. Choose ...