Sitting mindfully, whenever we deviate from upright posture, deep and smooth breathing, awakening and letting go of thought, we just return to the point." Then we can say that our body and mind is concentrated in just sitting. When we just sit, our mind is nowhere and everywhere. We don’t set our mind on any particular object, visualization, mantra, or even our breath itself. We concentrate our entire body and mind on the whole process of driving a car. It is also dangerous to concentrate one’s mind on an object like the brake pedal, the gas pedal, or the steering wheel. When we drive, it is dangerous to sleep or to be caught up in thinking. What does it mean to concentrate if one doesn’t count or watch the breath? Uchiyama Roshi often compared sitting zazen to driving a car. Whichever practice one follows, it is important to breathe through the nose deeply, smoothly and quietly as the air goes to the tanden (lower part of abdomen) and rises with one’s exhalation.
Since I am a disciple of Uchiyama Roshi, my own instruction is based on his approach to zazen-neither counting nor watching the breath. "Each teacher practices his or her own style.
You will soon realize that your mental burdens are dropping away one by one, and that you are gaining an intuitive power hitherto unnoticed." Practice this meditation in the morning or evening, or at any leisure time during the day. When you wish to arise from meditation, move your body slowly and stand up quietly. Do not desire realization since that thought will keep you confused Just relax and forget that you are meditating. Many thoughts will crowd into your mind ignore them, letting them go. Hold your body erect, allowing your breathing to become normal again. Eyes are slightly open, and breathing is quiet through the nostrils.īefore you begin meditation take several slow, deep breaths. Keep the tongue at the roof of the mouth and close your lips. Your ears should be in a line with your shoulders, and nose in a straight line with your navel.
Hold your body straight without leaning to the left or the right, forward or backward. "Sit on a cushion in a manner as comfortable as possible, wearing loose clothing. Several loaner Zafus & Zabutons are available at our regular In-Person Sittings. Several specialty shops & online vendors sell a wide variety of zafus and zabutons in many different styles, colors, fillings etc.
Less flexible folks may find the "Half Lotus" more comfortable - where your legs are flat and a foot is tucked under the knee of one leg.Īlternately, you can use a 'seiza' sitting poisition (see below) resting on your knees by flipping the Zafu upright. If you are flexible, you can do a fully leg crossed "Full Lotus" sitting position on the cushions. The traditional means of support while doing Zazen are two firm meditation cushions:Ī large cushion mat or pad placed on the floor to offer cushioning to the knees.Ī smaller round or crescent shaped cushion placed on top of the Zabuton to all you to sit directly on the edge of, wedging it under your buttocks to offer a stable comfortable base. Traditional Meditation Cushions ("Zafu & Zabuton")
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