I am returning to zazen after ten years of not doing meditation. I meditated ten years daily and experienced the best ten years in my adult life. Life, stress and anxiety caught up to me and I gave up all my practices. Ten years later I am suffering addictions, anxiety and health issues. It is time to clean up my life again and return to Zazen. 🙏☸️☯️ I am a redhead and us redheads are not limber. Maybe someday I can get half lotus if I’m lucky.
I think you should stop telling yourself redhead cliches you're giving it power and truth therefore convincing yourself that's what it is and what you are. Don't give that cliche any power anything is possible even if it seems impossible keep it up with hard work and discipline and consistency hopefully you'll have a more sober more balanced life.
I've sat through so many sub par meditation instruction videos looking for something I can recommend to people. This is beautiful. Everything a beginning meditator needs to know and nothing they don't in under 8 minutes. Thank you.
I live in a household that would "Mock" these sort of things. So its very hard to keep my head clear. But some day I wish for Zen to be apart of my everyday life. Thanks for this video it realy helped with my posture when meditating
Dj Otsirave don't let ANYTHING stop you from your meditation!! I've been mocked since high school for meditation (30 Years ago!!) but I knew I was on to something important and good...where are those ""mockers" now?? fat and miserable!!! while I have continued my practices and have LOADS of energy and insights...just do your meditation fellow practicioner and let others mock...GOOD LUCK
Dj Otsirave I have been meditating for 30 years and this video is bullshit. There is nothing mystical or sacred about meditating. Meditation is simply slowing down the thoughts which brings peace. Why do people insist on making something so helpful into something sacred? It's stupid.
they just mock themself for being ignorance, i was shy to initiate meditating in my home but ill just do it daily and later its just like an another usual day. nothing special.
Offtopic here but beautiful woodworking in the background and an amazing wooden statue on the shelf, a calming and peaceful view outside with a clean and homey environment inside. Would love to meditate in such a place!
im just trying to be grateful for everything that ive benefitted from in my life, theres too much good to complain. Everything is divine. this has been the best day of my life
The idea of zen meditation is to not think about anything but focus on breathing well not really focus on that but it's just to help you clear your mind and relieve stress because you lose the thought that was stressing you out. It's weird but once you master it you'll have a better focus and understanding of things in the world
@bluefishbrad: Your mind naturally thinks, that is its function. Perhaps you would be able to stop it if you really tried, but this isn't the purpose of meditation. When thoughts arise, notice them, but don't follow them. Each time, just go back to the sensation or counting of the breath. The breath is the anchor to which to can always go back when you notice you have gotten caught up in thoughts. While meditating, put thought on one side, over and over, as each thought arises. See what remains.
How long do you recommend to meditate each day?I have started meditating a few days ago,and I think it’s best that if a have a stable time to do it ,it will help me survive school.
I love how simple this was. Not just the instruction but the meditation itself. Thank you for including posture for sitting in a chair, sitting or kneeling on the floor was one thing that stop me from even trying. With that, I was able to follow along the rest of the video from my computer chair, positing and arranding myself in such a way that was natural and better posture. By the end of this video I was meditating using your counts! Thank you!
You can, and many people benefit from doing so. It's a matter of choice and experimenting with what helps you. Consider that with any technique, there is also a limiting factor inherent in it. Zazen is different than many other meditations in that it is the direct experience of our life as it is, not dependent on circumstances or cultivated environments.
This is very good. I enjoy meditating outdoors. I think getting a fixed spot indoors with "a shrine" might be a good motivation to meditate indoors. I also love the sound of those meditation bowls.
I'm lucky to be able to sit in seiza for fairly long periods. I think it's the most symmetrical position. After 6 years of zen, my legs still go numb, however. Getting up is difficult, but no permanent harm done.
Nice! I also like meditation. 💚❤️ With my meditating I have personally appreciated watching lots of Spiritual Master Sri Avinash lately. #SriAvinashMeditation I have found Sri Avinash's Satsangs very beautiful and helpful to my life. 🤲
what about if you are 'stuck' on ocd thoughts? is the instruction to notice the thoughts? another problem that arises is that there is the idea that the thought is very important. excellent video, very well shot and has very clear instructions
Gabriel Vieira Coelho, do once watch if u prefer, a quest for new life - Three Genius | Triguna | Svyasa International yoga film |2017| /Q3gohvCjDn4 findable on youtube!
😂 I am practicing zen for the last 20 years or so. Now I was ready to check out the meditation included in it. The first video in Google brought here, to a guy that gives the vibe of a technician and explain that seating in lotus will be fine, or half a lotus or... you know what... just sit. And the eyes... just eyes... and breathing... just breathing. I was laughing a few times while watching the whole video - because I felt I have found the right video. O zen... you always look the same but with different strokes 😂
@BGlogowski: part 2 of 2: However, we tend to be "thought addicts", relying on the logical mind to interpret an illogical experience. In practical terms when sitting zazen and thinking occurs, resist the urge to follow the thought trail and construct a story. This separates us from the experience of our environment and strengthens the illusion of a separate defined self. Rather experience the thought, do not add to it, and return attention to your current practice, such as counting the breath.
In Japanese Zen mostly not much is said about historical and spiritual surroundings of zazen or sitting meditation. Was wondering if this was not similar as if we spoke in merely technical terms about the perfect and correct posture during a lets say Catholic ritual. Would like to wish good luck for all the activities of the Zen Center.
I'm 32 and starting to see the value of relaxed meditation, i like to see myself as warrior whom all lives with tension (no catarsis) while doing what they see right. In New Age i'm called Lightworker. I've always repeatedly tried to meditate, with the tension of desire. Life is suffering because we don't see there is no positivity, there is just emptiness, neither negativity. As warrior i chose the negative camp, and fought fiercly defensively (as Believer i'm intelligently defensive and not pacifist, neither agressive) with the whole universe backing me up, because defensive i am, it's called defence department not offence department. I am in position (and although i've lost my strength in the process) to claim divinity with authority because what I say is the law. This is not wishful thinking. And yeah, maybe i'm a Deva (i've usually called myself Ashura) or actually a Bodhisatva of Zen destinied to die because of perfection. And i have nearly died many times, recently by jumping from a car in full speed, defensively. Except i survived, so theoretically i'm as Amitaba. But i won't release my arrow. My mother technically expects me to be a monk, although in Islam it is forbidden to not get married (i'm muslim). Will I be another Buddha who comes and goes? Not leaving anything behind?
@Forever Spring I don't agree. But I'll die for your Right to say what you mean. I Pray Allah grants me a Wife or more (likely not group sex) and makes me a Leader. I've meditated and done alot and Witnessed No Thing ... I am not saying I SAW No Thing, but that there is No Thing (I'm Half-God like Inuyasha) except Allah, and what he gives me and not. I Love you.
Sigh...I started trying full lotus, just the sitting alone, nothing about meditation yet, about 20+ years ago. And that thing alone I still am not able to do it now. But I wont give up even Im 60 now. There are warm-ups to do to open up your hip joints, knee joints... that Im trying now, hopefully that'll help.
Thank you for the video, it has been really helpful to remember the basics after a long period without meditating. I´m sure your courses are wonderful.
@BGlogowski: part 1 of 2: That's a very pertinent question, perhaps the trickiest to answer and very subtle to practice. In zazen we do not conjure up things to think about, and neither do we attempt to cut off thinking. The practice is to see what is here and experience our life in it's totality. This includes all the senses and thinking. Thoughts are the secretions of the mind. Like any other organ it serves a vital purpose.
In Zazen meditation technique, is my understanding correct that it is like Vipassana but the awareness is focused on the sensation of the breath and the fact you are counting your breaths serves only to 'label' your breaths - just like in many meditation techniques you 'label' your distractions? If you are focused on the sensation of the breath, what are the limits of that area of awareness? Air moving into your lungs, your chest moving, and brushing against the sides of your nose - like an expanded form of anapana technique, or am I totally misinterpreting the instructions I've read and seen? Note - this is a specific question about Zazen for my own academic understanding. I am not asking 'how to meditate' - I do a different meditation technique, which I arrived at after 8 years of experiments with variations. The multiple books I have read about Zen have not answered this question for me and neither has RUclips.
This is a greatly done and elaborate, yet straight to the point video. I just wish they talked about how to sit on Seiza Benches. Like for example I went to a meditation center. They instructed me to hang my feet off of the Zabuton. Which really helps when using some Seiza benches. Seeing that they can be made a couple of different ways. I am always looking for more opinions and out looks. So maybe I would of learned something that I didn't know or think of. Regardless, great video if you intend on using a Zafu! Peace be upon you everyone!
nice informative video. can you please share or make video explaining pillows recommend height vs sitting style. For example, seems to me that some of the sitting positions we only sit on half of the pillow, causing front part of pillow to go down 50% height, while unseated back part of pillow remain high like 90% height. thanks in advance 🙏✨☺️
Well i evaporate it throughout the whole day and stop 2/1,5 hours before i go to sleep (dont like to go to bed while under influence plus i still sleep better), I try to keep it at a maximum of one day per two weeks.
I have scoliosis. I need to have something to support my back. One of the turnoffs of standard meditation, as I believed it, was the idea of sitting with my back and supported for any extended period of time. It's just too painful.
In all my reading about meditation for over 31 years, I have never read why it is important to have a straight back. Might this be for the activation of the energy centers or chakras?
My experience is that when the spine is straight with no movement, the ego calms down and therefore less distracting thoughts appear. Also it is easier to concentrate on the breathing and pay attention to the expiration when the back is erect and shoulders are relax.
@timcondi Funny you should ask that... check back in the first week of November and we'll have (hopefully) a few new videos posted, one of which will approach that question.
Historically, the Soto school and Rinzai school are two branches of Chinese Zen or Cha'an, the Soto school founded by Masters Sozan and Tozan and the Rinzai school founded by Master Rinzai. There are many more similarities than differences between the two branches. Here at Yokoji we are a Soto temple but the founder, Maezumi Roshi received dharma transmission in both Soto and Rinzai lineages, so we incorporate elements of both.
Drew Hurst check out the book 3 pillars of Zen. He said it was something to do with the left side of the body being passive and the right side being active so you balance it out by covering the active with the passive. Or something to that effect.
@@johnfraser5462 Thank You for Your reply John. I am so glad I asked and so grateful for Your response. I used to just copy Buddha because, well, enlightenment :-) Not long after I asked this question, I discovered, and now practice, Sahaja Yoga Meditation, where We learn how to diagnose and balance Our left and right channels in a few minutes, (using two of the elements, Earth and Ether respectively) before meditation, so, how We have Our hands matters little, but I am still looking forward to experimenting with this, to asses the effect, now I understand the concept, thanks to You. I bow to all the Seekers of the World Thanks again John Namaste
Can some one explain why one wouldn't breathe well in this posture and how to over come it? Everytime I sit like this I find that I just sit and don't really breathe in the way they describe and also I just come aware of all the tension I have in my shoulders, neck, and face. Any tips on what to do?
Many people experience that, usually it has to do with a tight upper back. Do you typically slouch like most modern people? If you do then your body has become accustom to it's wrong posture and you'll have to work it out with some stretches and strengthening exercises. I'd recommend you look up "Yoga for upper back and shoulders" and fix that imbalance not just for zazen but for life.
It sounds like it could be a combination of tight neck and upper back muscles, as well as a weak core. As Chamorru mentioned yoga would be helpful. If you are not used to sitting on the ground you don't have to. Sitting in a comfortable chair is fine. I have seen many people damage their knees by sitting in seiza or lotus position for too long. Also, doing some light exercise before meditation practice is extremely helpful for releasing tension and difficulty breathing. Jumping jacks, a brisk walk, light jog, or ideally qigong before meditation is really helpful! All the best!!
This is my question also. I think there is one in South India but they don't teach. Then, you have monasteries in Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
10 years old and this is still the clearest most to the point video I've found on this
Can confirm. Lol
This is a classic. Great presentation of the tradition!
It's perfect
Good luck on your journey.
I agree 🙏🏻
Listening to this video is like a meditation. Zero minutes wasted.
That's not how zazen works.
Importante meaning
Important note
For the liberation of all sentient beings
all beings
This will immensely change your life, if you are a novice to Zazen. Excellent video.
😌🙏❤️
I am returning to zazen after ten years of not doing meditation. I meditated ten years daily and experienced the best ten years in my adult life. Life, stress and anxiety caught up to me and I gave up all my practices. Ten years later I am suffering addictions, anxiety and health issues. It is time to clean up my life again and return to Zazen. 🙏☸️☯️ I am a redhead and us redheads are not limber. Maybe someday I can get half lotus if I’m lucky.
I think you should stop telling yourself redhead cliches you're giving it power and truth therefore convincing yourself that's what it is and what you are. Don't give that cliche any power anything is possible even if it seems impossible keep it up with hard work and discipline and consistency hopefully you'll have a more sober more balanced life.
This practice changed my life. I can't thank you enough.
Thank you! Excellent presentation, such a clear explanation of sitting.
I've sat through so many sub par meditation instruction videos looking for something I can recommend to people. This is beautiful. Everything a beginning meditator needs to know and nothing they don't in under 8 minutes. Thank you.
I live in a household that would "Mock" these sort of things. So its very hard to keep my head clear. But some day I wish for Zen to be apart of my everyday life. Thanks for this video it realy helped with my posture when meditating
Dj Otsirave don't let ANYTHING stop you from your meditation!! I've been mocked since high school for meditation (30 Years ago!!) but I knew I was on to something important and good...where are those ""mockers" now?? fat and miserable!!! while I have continued my practices and have LOADS of energy and insights...just do your meditation fellow practicioner and let others mock...GOOD LUCK
:) Yeah I've been a little more open. But I feel I need more time. But thanks. I also wish to lean Tai-Chi
Now
Dj Otsirave
I have been meditating for 30 years and this video is bullshit. There is nothing mystical or sacred about meditating. Meditation is simply slowing down the thoughts which brings peace. Why do people insist on making something so helpful into something sacred? It's stupid.
they just mock themself for being ignorance, i was shy to initiate meditating in my home but ill just do it daily and later its just like an another usual day. nothing special.
I loved staying at the center. Thanks for such a deep experience. Meditation was kicked up a notch after that retreat.
Offtopic here but beautiful woodworking in the background and an amazing wooden statue on the shelf, a calming and peaceful view outside with a clean and homey environment inside. Would love to meditate in such a place!
im just trying to be grateful for everything that ive benefitted from in my life, theres too much good to complain. Everything is divine. this has been the best day of my life
Buddhist Meditation is very important for human beings . It helps us to control our mind so I think, everyone should practies meditation.
Nice, no fluff, no fancy music. Just the basic instruction.
The idea of zen meditation is to not think about anything but focus on breathing well not really focus on that but it's just to help you clear your mind and relieve stress because you lose the thought that was stressing you out. It's weird but once you master it you'll have a better focus and understanding of things in the world
Beautiful illustration simple to practice
Absolutely one of the best instructional meditation videos I have ever seen.
@bluefishbrad: Your mind naturally thinks, that is its function. Perhaps you would be able to stop it if you really tried, but this isn't the purpose of meditation. When thoughts arise, notice them, but don't follow them. Each time, just go back to the sensation or counting of the breath. The breath is the anchor to which to can always go back when you notice you have gotten caught up in thoughts. While meditating, put thought on one side, over and over, as each thought arises. See what remains.
How long do you recommend to meditate each day?I have started meditating a few days ago,and I think it’s best that if a have a stable time to do it ,it will help me survive school.
I have just started reading about Zen and I've started meditating, specifically zazen and this has been very helpful. Thank you
I love how simple this was. Not just the instruction but the meditation itself. Thank you for including posture for sitting in a chair, sitting or kneeling on the floor was one thing that stop me from even trying. With that, I was able to follow along the rest of the video from my computer chair, positing and arranding myself in such a way that was natural and better posture. By the end of this video I was meditating using your counts! Thank you!
X""vvvvvvdddccccfccccccccccc*****************&*&''//////
Thanks for the video. Loved to practice Zazen for the better life. ❤
Greetings from Komodo Island.
You can, and many people benefit from doing so. It's a matter of choice and experimenting with what helps you. Consider that with any technique, there is also a limiting factor inherent in it. Zazen is different than many other meditations in that it is the direct experience of our life as it is, not dependent on circumstances or cultivated environments.
Best video so far. I'm coming back to zazen after years. At least for me it's the only valuable practice.
Thank you for this wonderfully clear and concise video. Brilliant! 🙏🧘🏻♂️ 🙏
Thank you so much
This is very good. I enjoy meditating outdoors. I think getting a fixed spot indoors with "a shrine" might be a good motivation to meditate indoors. I also love the sound of those meditation bowls.
This is a wonderful video. It was clear and easy. Thank you.
You people are a godsend.
My day get a new start whit you as master teaching the way to zazen.
Thank you.
Buddhist practice is about ending suffering, so just get comfortable and observe your mind and body as one...
I'm lucky to be able to sit in seiza for fairly long periods. I think it's the most symmetrical position. After 6 years of zen, my legs still go numb, however. Getting up is difficult, but no permanent harm done.
Thank you sir for wonderful information 🙏
Nice! I also like meditation. 💚❤️
With my meditating I have personally appreciated watching lots of Spiritual Master Sri Avinash lately. #SriAvinashMeditation
I have found Sri Avinash's Satsangs very beautiful and helpful to my life. 🤲
Love this video. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for helping
Thank you! This is very helpful.
what about if you are 'stuck' on ocd thoughts? is the instruction to notice the thoughts? another problem that arises is that there is the idea that the thought is very important. excellent video, very well shot and has very clear instructions
Really happy this is out there for people to view. Keep it up.
Gabriel Vieira Coelho, do once watch if u prefer, a quest for new life -
Three Genius | Triguna | Svyasa International yoga film |2017| /Q3gohvCjDn4
findable on youtube!
Thank you for the advice about counting on the exhale and how to hold the eyes. Your video is very well done and soothing.
Thank you ,clear and precise.🙏
😂 I am practicing zen for the last 20 years or so. Now I was ready to check out the meditation included in it.
The first video in Google brought here, to a guy that gives the vibe of a technician and explain that seating in lotus will be fine, or half a lotus or... you know what... just sit. And the eyes... just eyes... and breathing... just breathing.
I was laughing a few times while watching the whole video - because I felt I have found the right video.
O zen... you always look the same but with different strokes 😂
Very helpful video Thankyou
@BGlogowski: part 2 of 2: However, we tend to be "thought addicts", relying on the logical mind to interpret an illogical experience. In practical terms when sitting zazen and thinking occurs, resist the urge to follow the thought trail and construct a story. This separates us from the experience of our environment and strengthens the illusion of a separate defined self. Rather experience the thought, do not add to it, and return attention to your current practice, such as counting the breath.
Thank you very much Master it was really instructional and helpful for me and everyone.
Awesome job.❤
Love your clear explanation.! Thanks
Simple, clear and good enough to do Zen meditation, thanks for your video.
Thank you for explaining this basics. I go in zazen now.
Thanks a lot for the video. You were very clear and concise. Thanks!
Practical and covered all of my questions. Thanks!
Love it Zen Scouser!
Thank you for this amazing vid. Much appreciated. Thank you for your time and energy. Peace
Excellent... looking forward to watch more, namaste!!
@Adam Ski Impressive. You managed to insult a person online. Kudos to you!
Thank you so much for this very useful video.
Ben Shanson Meditation Tips (Thank You)
thank you for your instruction!!! really helpful
phuc u
wise to meditate often
Great instructional video. Thank you very much. Liked and suscribed! Can´t wait to put in practice all that I´ve learned here. Thank you!
In Japanese Zen mostly not much is said about historical and spiritual surroundings of zazen or sitting meditation. Was wondering if this was not similar as if we spoke in merely technical terms about the perfect and correct posture during a lets say Catholic ritual. Would like to wish good luck for all the activities of the Zen Center.
I'm 32 and starting to see the value of relaxed meditation, i like to see myself as warrior whom all lives with tension (no catarsis) while doing what they see right. In New Age i'm called Lightworker. I've always repeatedly tried to meditate, with the tension of desire. Life is suffering because we don't see there is no positivity, there is just emptiness, neither negativity. As warrior i chose the negative camp, and fought fiercly defensively (as Believer i'm intelligently defensive and not pacifist, neither agressive) with the whole universe backing me up, because defensive i am, it's called defence department not offence department. I am in position (and although i've lost my strength in the process) to claim divinity with authority because what I say is the law. This is not wishful thinking. And yeah, maybe i'm a Deva (i've usually called myself Ashura) or actually a Bodhisatva of Zen destinied to die because of perfection. And i have nearly died many times, recently by jumping from a car in full speed, defensively. Except i survived, so theoretically i'm as Amitaba. But i won't release my arrow. My mother technically expects me to be a monk, although in Islam it is forbidden to not get married (i'm muslim). Will I be another Buddha who comes and goes? Not leaving anything behind?
@Forever Spring I don't agree. But I'll die for your Right to say what you mean. I Pray Allah grants me a Wife or more (likely not group sex) and makes me a Leader. I've meditated and done alot and Witnessed No Thing ... I am not saying I SAW No Thing, but that there is No Thing (I'm Half-God like Inuyasha) except Allah, and what he gives me and not. I Love you.
@Forever Spring ruclips.net/video/HM_fkwDB-Xg/видео.html
@Forever Spring ruclips.net/video/VoKEJZYfaTw/видео.html ... My Wife maybe 8) If she,s Honor me
💕 frm India!!
Sigh...I started trying full lotus, just the sitting alone, nothing about meditation yet, about 20+ years ago. And that thing alone I still am not able to do it now. But I wont give up even Im 60 now. There are warm-ups to do to open up your hip joints, knee joints... that Im trying now, hopefully that'll help.
i like this video you are very precise!
Nice introduction to Zazen. Thanks for taking the time to create the video.
Thank you
Well made video, thank you
awesome video xx💓
Thank you For the upload
Shui xa Zen kuo bi keng shen
Wie alles können kotau Beispiel Körper Geräusch un verstanden
Wang Wang ong
Thank you for the video, it has been really helpful to remember the basics after a long period without meditating. I´m sure your courses are wonderful.
@BGlogowski: part 1 of 2: That's a very pertinent question, perhaps the trickiest to answer and very subtle to practice. In zazen we do not conjure up things to think about, and neither do we attempt to cut off thinking. The practice is to see what is here and experience our life in it's totality. This includes all the senses and thinking. Thoughts are the secretions of the mind. Like any other organ it serves a vital purpose.
Is counting the breath final step of zazen?
halo master .! during in sitting posture mind is not concentrate.i cannot attain at the thoughtless stage.master yokoji pl guide me.
In "gassho" thank you for posting this video full of good simple tips to use during practice.
In Zazen meditation technique, is my understanding correct that it is like Vipassana but the awareness is focused on the sensation of the breath and the fact you are counting your breaths serves only to 'label' your breaths - just like in many meditation techniques you 'label' your distractions? If you are focused on the sensation of the breath, what are the limits of that area of awareness? Air moving into your lungs, your chest moving, and brushing against the sides of your nose - like an expanded form of anapana technique, or am I totally misinterpreting the instructions I've read and seen?
Note - this is a specific question about Zazen for my own academic understanding. I am not asking 'how to meditate' - I do a different meditation technique, which I arrived at after 8 years of experiments with variations. The multiple books I have read about Zen have not answered this question for me and neither has RUclips.
May i know the meditation technique that you practice i am kinda struggling to find one for me 🙏🏽
Very good. Thanks.
This is a greatly done and elaborate, yet straight to the point video. I just wish they talked about how to sit on Seiza Benches. Like for example I went to a meditation center. They instructed me to hang my feet off of the Zabuton. Which really helps when using some Seiza benches. Seeing that they can be made a couple of different ways. I am always looking for more opinions and out looks. So maybe I would of learned something that I didn't know or think of. Regardless, great video if you intend on using a Zafu! Peace be upon you everyone!
nice informative video.
can you please share or make video explaining pillows recommend height vs sitting style.
For example, seems to me that some of the sitting positions we only sit on half of the pillow, causing front part of pillow to go down 50% height, while unseated back part of pillow remain high like 90% height.
thanks in advance 🙏✨☺️
Well i evaporate it throughout the whole day and stop 2/1,5 hours before i go to sleep (dont like to go to bed while under influence plus i still sleep better), I try to keep it at a maximum of one day per two weeks.
Great video! Thanks!
I have scoliosis. I need to have something to support my back. One of the turnoffs of standard meditation, as I believed it, was the idea of sitting with my back and supported for any extended period of time. It's just too painful.
Love the video thAnks
Can you listen to calming music while you meditate?
not for zazen
Hi! When do we exhale through the mouth! Because some instructors have taught to breath out through the mouth. Thank you!
Thankyou.
There’s nothing to achieve here. Ordinary heart is the way ❤
Is it essential to keep your eyes half closed? I usually keep them completely closed. Thank you!
Very helpful.
In all my reading about meditation for over 31 years, I have never read why it is important to have a straight back. Might this be for the activation of the energy centers or chakras?
My experience is that when the spine is straight with no movement, the ego calms down and therefore less distracting thoughts appear. Also it is easier to concentrate on the breathing and pay attention to the expiration when the back is erect and shoulders are relax.
@timcondi Funny you should ask that... check back in the first week of November and we'll have (hopefully) a few new videos posted, one of which will approach that question.
Historically, the Soto school and Rinzai school are two branches of Chinese Zen or Cha'an, the Soto school founded by Masters Sozan and Tozan and the Rinzai school founded by Master Rinzai. There are many more similarities than differences between the two branches. Here at Yokoji we are a Soto temple but the founder, Maezumi Roshi received dharma transmission in both Soto and Rinzai lineages, so we incorporate elements of both.
She is hot 🙏🏻❤️
Thank you.
What is the main differences between rinzai and soto?
count the breath... how ? Is it Exhalation only or Inhalation only, or exhale inhale both, ? Many say one , many say both
Can you explain why left hand on top and not right please?
Thanks for sharing
Drew Hurst check out the book 3 pillars of Zen. He said it was something to do with the left side of the body being passive and the right side being active so you balance it out by covering the active with the passive. Or something to that effect.
@@johnfraser5462 Thank You for Your reply John. I am so glad I asked and so grateful for Your response.
I used to just copy Buddha because, well, enlightenment :-)
Not long after I asked this question, I discovered, and now practice, Sahaja Yoga Meditation, where We learn how to diagnose and balance Our left and right channels in a few minutes, (using two of the elements, Earth and Ether respectively) before meditation, so, how We have Our hands matters little, but I am still looking forward to experimenting with this, to asses the effect, now I understand the concept, thanks to You.
I bow to all the Seekers of the World
Thanks again John
Namaste
What do I think about while meditating ? Or do I try to have a blank mind with no thoughts ?
Just focus on the movement of breath
Can some one explain why one wouldn't breathe well in this posture and how to over come it? Everytime I sit like this I find that I just sit and don't really breathe in the way they describe and also I just come aware of all the tension I have in my shoulders, neck, and face. Any tips on what to do?
Many people experience that, usually it has to do with a tight upper back. Do you typically slouch like most modern people? If you do then your body has become accustom to it's wrong posture and you'll have to work it out with some stretches and strengthening exercises. I'd recommend you look up "Yoga for upper back and shoulders" and fix that imbalance not just for zazen but for life.
It sounds like it could be a combination of tight neck and upper back muscles, as well as a weak core. As Chamorru mentioned yoga would be helpful. If you are not used to sitting on the ground you don't have to. Sitting in a comfortable chair is fine. I have seen many people damage their knees by sitting in seiza or lotus position for too long.
Also, doing some light exercise before meditation practice is extremely helpful for releasing tension and difficulty breathing. Jumping jacks, a brisk walk, light jog, or ideally qigong before meditation is really helpful!
All the best!!
What’s the blue vest for?
She is so still i thought its an image
What is the purpose of zazen?
Hello thank you for the instructions! 🙏 Are there any Zen meditation learning centres in India ?
This is my question also. I think there is one in South India but they don't teach. Then, you have monasteries in Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
Is it nessessary to do zazen at fix time ?