Zazen

[______]

I have heard of zazen since I started practicing Buddhism. "Just sitting meditation" as I heard it first called seemed to me to accomplish nothing.

After reading more on it and hearing about it here on TBV from first-hand experience, I decided to try it out. I must say, it was the most dificult meditation I have tried yet. I thought that my mind had been calmed sigificantly before, but when I sat in zazen, it seemed as though I had never meditated before. My mind was all over the place!

I now appreciate this meditation and perform it every other day for as long as bearable. :lol:

Does anyone have any tips or information on zazen? It has truly captivated me!

[Dre_Pais]

Hello, my friend.

Yes, Zazen looks quite simple but it can indeed be very profound and fascinating.

I'm gonna put here some links with general information about zazen. Hope it's helpful.

1 - http://openway.org.au/pdf/introzen.pdf

2 - http://www.mro.org/zmm/teachings

3 - http://onedropzendo.org/wayofzazen.htm


A lotus to you, Dharma brother

André

[______]

Thank you for the wonderful links!

Do you know of where I could obtain a zafu?

[namtso]

Here's some online sources for Zafus I found in Shambhala Sun magazine.

http://www.samadhicushions.com

http://www.dharma.net/monstore

http://www.dharmaware.com/zafus.html

http://www.zenbydesign.com

http://www.dharmacrafts.com

http://www.tibetanspirit.com

[______]

Thank you as well, namtso! :lol: I wonder, is there a difference between the more expensive zafus and the cheaper ones? Other than the price of course! :lol:

[namtso]

That I couldn't say. I did buy a small bench [ http://www.samadhicushions.com/C-559.html ] thinking that it was level and I wanted to use it as a stand for a Buddha statue. It's made of solid oak, it's very solid and very well made but it's tilted slightly forward for sitting on. I may have a wood working shop level it for me one day. As far as Zafus go, you may want to pose that question to other bigview visitors. I haven't ever used a Zafu.

[______]

Alright, so I just got done ordering me a zafu/zabuton combo via www.samadhicushions.com

They said it should arrive within 4 days. Think that applies to overseas delivery as well? :think: The statement was very general.

[______]

...the Low Cloud Bench inclines slightly to encourage a relaxed, upright meditation posture. -samadhicushions.com

I think you should have read a little more carefully on just what you were buying. :) ;)

[namtso]

I think you should have read a little more carefully on just what you were buying.
Reminds one of the phrase "haste makes waste", doesn't it. The solid oak wood bench is actually very cool and well made. When I have it modified it it will be perfect. Some mistakes are welcome ones. A good wood shop can level that thing perfectly and it'll be a one of a kind statue base! Also a great opportunity to practice Buddhist principles by choosing to not be upset with making a mistake. Everything is perspective, yes? But wait, I though everything was relative. Everything is perspective and relative? Everything is also an opportunity for learning. Seems "everything" is fairly complicated. I'll have to think about this for a while.

[namtso]

Alright, so I just got done ordering me a zafu/zabuton combo via www.samadhicushions.com
What happens to your stuff like the zafu if you get your orders to go to Iraq? Do you have to ship it back home or something?

[______]

What happens to your stuff like the zafu if you get your orders to go to Iraq? Do you have to ship it back home or something?
I take it with! It's a "religious item" and is authorized by the Army! :D

[namtso]

Excellent

[______]

It'll certainly be a challenge to meditate when we can get called to patrol or something at any time of the day! :lol:

[namtso]

It'll certainly be a challenge to meditate when we can get called to patrol or something at any time of the day!
No doubt. I've heard of "walking meditation" but not marching meditation, ar ar.

[______]

No doubt. I've heard of "walking meditation" but not marching meditation, ar ar.
Funny you should mention that! :lol: I got in trouble once in training when I got out of step because I was reflecting on the moment and counting my breaths! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[namtso]

Whoa! No easy way to explain that I guess. "Sir! Yes Sir! Counting Brea... uh, NO EXCUSE SIR!

[______]

:lol: :lol: :lol: Something like that! :D

[______]

Okay, so I just got my new zabuton and zafu combo in the mail the other day. Very comfortable and very useful in stabilizing the body for longer periods of time. I found that when I first used it I meditated for a bit longer than normal. Plus I no longer have a sort of soreness in my ankles from sitting on the ground as my ankles are now padded and much more weight can be distributed to my knees for support. Very good buy. Thank you for suggesting that website.

[namtso]

No prob. Samadhi on the way!

[Arctic-Stranger]

I have been doing zazen, on and off, for almost a year now. I find I am not really that much better at it, but I am better at life in general.

[TheObjectiveSubjective]

I like just sitting. I can be very present and in the moment when I do it.

[marleylinguistics]

i have been doing zazen for a few months now, i really appreciate it, and i think it has helped alot, but i really like to keep an open mind about religious practices, and until i find what im looking for ill always look out for things to build upon my spiritual growth

[______]

I have been doing zazen, on and off, for almost a year now. I find I am not really that much better at it, but I am better at life in general
No one is "good" at meditation, only the latter shows one's progress through meditation. :)
I like just sitting. I can be very present and in the moment when I do it.
From what I understand, this is zazen.

[Arctic-Stranger]

This weekend my 15 year old son and I will be attending a Zen Retreat here in Fairbanks. Two days of Zazen! I am not sure my son is up to it, but we are going to give it a try. He is really psyched, and to be honest, so am I.

(A few years ago I asked my son to say grace at the table, and he said, "I dont do that anymore, I'm a Buddhist." So one Saturday morning I woke him early, and said, "If you are a buddhist you need to to start meditating like a buddhist. Get up, we are going to the Zen Center." I thought it would cure him of his attaction to buddhism, but instead it just piqued his interest. He tends to do well at the Quake meeting, but that is only an hour. This will be four four hour sesshins, over two days.)

[______]

This weekend my 15 year old son and I will be attending a Zen Retreat here in Fairbanks. Two days of Zazen! I am not sure my son is up to it, but we are going to give it a try. He is really psyched, and to be honest, so am I.

(A few years ago I asked my son to say grace at the table, and he said, "I dont do that anymore, I'm a Buddhist." So one Saturday morning I woke him early, and said, "If you are a buddhist you need to to start meditating like a buddhist. Get up, we are going to the Zen Center." I thought it would cure him of his attaction to buddhism, but instead it just piqued his interest. He tends to do well at the Quake meeting, but that is only an hour. This will be four four hour sesshins, over two days.)
I wish him the best. Glad to hear you support his decision and encourage growth. When I told my family about my "official" shift from Christianity to Buddhism, their reaction was of sorrow and disappointment. They now support me, but there's still an undercurrent of their initial response.

A lotus to you and your son, friend. :)