Just sitting, or Shikantaza in Zen meditation, is a practice of sitting in pure awareness without focusing on any specific object, thought, or technique. It is often described as sitting with no goal, no expectation, and no attachment to outcomes. This form of meditation emphasizes being fully prese...
Zen meditation, or Zazen, is a profound practice that can be integrated into daily life at any time. However, certain times of day are particularly conducive to deepening your practice. The best times to meditate are typically early morning, late afternoon, and evening. These periods align with natu...
Balancing effort and relaxation in Zazen, or Zen meditation, is a fundamental aspect of the practice. Zazen requires both discipline and ease, as it involves maintaining a focused yet open state of mind. The key is to find a middle way where you are neither straining nor completely passive. This bal...
A Zen teacher, or Roshi, and the Sangha (community of practitioners) play a vital role in guiding and supporting meditation practice. The Zen teacher serves as a mentor, offering direct instruction, personalized feedback, and wisdom drawn from their own experience. The Sangha provides a supportive e...
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...
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...
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, ...
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...
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 ...
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 ...