2009年11月26日 09:54
Zazen
Zazen (坐禅) is a meditation, one of Zen Buddhist practice. The aim of this meditation is to `open the hand of thought`. There are couple of different methods of pracising 坐禅 - it depends on the sect of Buddhism or on the school. Zazen literally means `seated meditation`. While pracising it, we can calm our bodies and minds. Traditionally Zazen in Japan is performed on a mat while sitting on a cushion. The common sitting positions are full-lotos, half-lotos, seiza or a crossed-leg posture in which the ankles are placed together in front of the sitter. The hands are folded together and the eyelids should be half-lowered - allowing the person not to be distracted by any objects but at the same time to be awake. Person while performing Zazen should be very disciplined and concentrated. Through meditation one can `experience insight into the nature of existance and thereby gain enlightenment`.
The reason why I`m writing about Zazen here, is because lately I had the opportunity to attend it. I went with my boss and friends from work to Daitoku-ji in Kyoto where we practised Zazen. It was very interesting experience, although very difficult. I can understand that it requires a lot of practise.