Zen Spiritualism



If Eminem's music resonates differently for you, you were brought to this page in search for answers. Well, the only answer we have for you is to search within. To do that you much practice Zen Spiritualism. We aren't talking main stream spiritualism junk. We are talking ancient Zen Spirituality. It doesn't mean you have to be a monk, either. 

Zen is a common word in today's world, and a good portion of us use it in our daily lives. Zen is a Japanese term taken from the Chinese word, "Ch'an". Which translated simply means concentration or meditation. 

In other words, to "be" Zen means to be at peace with your thoughts while being self-aware of your presence in the universe. 

What is Zen Meditation? Known as Zazen, this is an ancient Buddhist tradition dating all the way back to 7th century China. It is a Buddhist discipline providing insight on how the mind works. The goal is to uncover clarity and workability of the mind. 

People who practice Zen, experience a unique awakening as they learn to "let go" of thoughts and feelings. Many also have better insight to the nature of the body and the mind. Some forms of meditations are about relaxation and stress relief, but Zen meditation goes much deeper helping people with difficult questions and deep rooted issues. 

So, what are the three common Zen Meditations?

Observation of Breath- Basically drawing awareness to your breath. Focusing on how it moves in and out of your body. 

Quiet Awareness - Encourages you to allow your thoughts to flow. You do not have a goal, just to sit and allow your mind to be. 

Intensive Group Meditation - These are done in special temples. This involves sessions that take nearly an hour, walking meditations, and meals taken in silence. 

There are benefits to having a Zenful life. For one you can enjoy greatly improved health, a more restful sleep, improved compassion and creativity, less stress, and many other benefits. 

How do we practice Zen?

There are two primary activities and they are simple guys. Sitting and breathing, while being aware. Once you master that, you can be aware during your daily activities. Walking, Eating, Working, etc. That's how Zen becomes your daily life. 

Zazen

During meditation you must focus on breath, and allow it to flow softly and naturally. Your primary focus must be on breath. It's simple because it's all about sitting and breathing. 

Make sure you are in a quiet location, with a tall strong posture. Use a cushion, mat, blanket or meditation bench. This is to make sure you are in proper form. Your hands should be held in cosmic mudra: the left hand resting on the right hand, palm up and encircling your navel. Or on the natural shelf. Where the elbows are held slightly away from the core. 

Engage in this practice twice a day for about 25-45 minutes each. 

Walking Zen

Also known as Kinhin. You could practice this on your own, focusing on breath. Yet, if you want to get the full effect, you would need to do this in a group. 

You do this by, walking in a single file, close to the person who is in front of you. Hold hands in Shashu: at waist level, the right hand holds the left thumb and the left hand overs the right. You must hold your elbows slightly lifted so the arms form a line parallel to the floor. Then just walk in a line appreciating you breath, movement, and environment. 

Of course if you are doing this alone, all you have to do is take a walking focusing on your breath, and awareness. 

Koan Practice

This is one you really don't have to worry about at home. It is a succinct paradoxical statement or question. A discipline that helps novices looking to master Zen.  It tests the novices competence, and builds communication between novice and master. 

While there are many forms of this practice, the most common one is the questions and answers. 

Where the Master may ask: "What is Buddha?"
And the student replies: "Three pounds of flax." 

There are some great books out there that you can read up on Zen.

Plain Talk for a Beginners Mind by Norman Fischer and Susan Moon. 
Zen: Beginners Guide: Happy, Peaceful, and Focused Lifestyle for Everyone by Ian Tuhovsky
Buddhism For Beginners: Buddhist Rituals and Practices to Eliminate Stress and Anxiety by Dharma Hazari
Zen Mind, Beginners Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practices by Shunryu Suzuki, Trudy Dixon, et al. 





 

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