I don't know too much about this branch of Buddhism, but have enjoyed the little I've read on it.
What do you know about Zen?
What do you appreciate about Zen?
What do you know about Zen?
What do you appreciate about Zen?
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Let's Talk About Zen
- Thread starter JustGeorge
- Start date
Zazen was my first introduction to meditation and is still my go to method. Just sit and be. Breathe and feel.
Before I discovered contemporary Paganism, I had a fascination with it. My brain at the time refused to accept it was a religion, because my brain at the time believed all religion was stupid nonsense. So instead I just casually practiced what later became more widely known as Jediism for a time, which to oversimplify is basically Zen Buddhism but with Star Wars science fantasy trappings.
. . .
Yeah, please feel free to laugh in amusement. I sure do. Probably why I don't ever bring it up... lol.
. . .
Yeah, please feel free to laugh in amusement. I sure do. Probably why I don't ever bring it up... lol.
There's a position that goes with Zazen, right?
Yes, it's typically a seated lotus position. Eyes partially open (I typically close them).
I can't cross my legs into my knees that way, so I keep mine folded in front of me. I sit on a cushion or porch steps to take the pressure off my spine and knees.
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Imagining you expressing an opinion to that effect now is kinda like imagining there being air traffic control for flying pigs.
That it emphasizes mindfulness and zazen meditation. I practice both regularly, although not strictly from a Zen Buddhist framework.
Both of the above, and also the general encouragement of compassion in Buddhism (not just Zen Buddhism). I'm sure studying it deeply would lead me to find more things to appreciate about it, too.
I remember sitting like that in the school office while waiting for my son to do his special education work. I found I could hold it between 5-10 minutes(though with no cushion) before my knees would lock, and feet would sleep.
I remember, though, it seemed to aligned my lower abdomen in such a way deep breathing became easier.
Twilight Hue
Twilight, not bright nor dark, good nor bad.
I really appreciate the boots on the ground approach. I find zazen to be an excellent technique because it dosent have to be left on the cushion, and you can take it home with you!
Guitar's Cry
Disciple of Pan
I was introduced to it through my interest in the martial arts. I read and did a world history project on Taisen Deshimuru's The Zen Way to the Martial Arts. I found myself reading (and still really enjoy) Alan Watts. Like others, I started practicing zazen meditation, and find Zen and Taoistic philosophies to be a good foundation of my spiritual life.
Secret Chief
Vetted Member
Less than I've forgotten!
Gosh. Lots! Zazen is the gateway to peace, as some bloke once said. The "standard" posture is not suitable for everyone (eg me with my bloody knee!), appropriate posture on an upright chair is fine. I would say the posture of mind is the key feature.
Zen is the Japanese pronunciation/term for what came from China - Chan Buddhism. In Japan three major schools developed - Rinzai, Soto and Obaku. As well as zazen, another distinguishing feature is the use of koans, in Rinzai, at least. I know zero about Obaku.
I remember a year or two ago focusing a little on Zazen, and trying to adjust my posture the best I could for the situation I was in. I actually sometimes felt the most 'Zen' while driving.
What makes Rinzai and Soto different?
Heyo
Veteran Member
Too little to have an informed opinion.
Koans. They really can make you think out of the box.
RestlessSoul
Well-Known Member
Moon in the water
Somersaults
and streams away.
- Oshima Ryota
Somersaults
and streams away.
- Oshima Ryota
Secret Chief
Vetted Member
I would say that is an example of the point - that the formalised practice becomes imbued in one's daily life.
I think a distinction is that Rinzai has more focus on koans, whilst Soto has more focus on zazen (aka shikantaza). The centre I attended made no use of koans.
Twilight Hue
Twilight, not bright nor dark, good nor bad.
Twilight Hue
Twilight, not bright nor dark, good nor bad.
All the air blew out when Bart Simpson solved it.
I can tell you that I'm a koan junkie, so I'm not going to (intentionally) serve up any koans at this time. I can also tell you that this is one attachment that I'm going to keep, as a reminder and an example of what an attachment is. *doh*