What is the purpose of Shikantaza?

What is the purpose of Shikantaza?

quiet sitting in open awareness, reflecting directly the reality of life. Shikantaza is often termed a goalless meditation in quiet awareness, not working on any koan, or counting the breath. It is an alert condition, performed erect, with no trace of sluggishness or drowsiness.

How do you practice Shikantaza?

All you should do is try and keep your back relatively straight (in other words, don’t slouch in a recliner). Place your hands on your thighs, close your eyes, and feel your breathing. Concentrate on the fact that you are breathing. Feel your in-breaths; feel your out-breaths.

What is just sitting meditation?

We simply sit and observe. We observe our body, our breath, our mind. We stay focused and try not to become distracted with our thoughts. when they come we just let them come and then go. This Meditation has a very relaxed approach and helps us to get into the right space, we need for practice.

How can I practice silent illumination?

The traditional Chan (Chinese Zen) practice called Silent Illumination begins with nothing more than putting aside all thoughts except the awareness of oneself “just sitting.” It’s so simple in execution that it has sometimes been called the “method of no-method”—yet simple as it is, the practice is subtle and profound …

What is Zen meditation called?

Zen meditation, also known as Zazen, is a meditation technique rooted in Buddhist psychology. The goal of Zen meditation is to regulate attention. 1 It’s sometimes referred to as a practice that involves “thinking about not thinking.”

What is Zen posture?

To practice Zazen, you need to be sitting upright and attentive. This posture helps you keep your awareness on the body and the present moment. If possible, sit facing a wall. You should be balanced between staying grounded and being open. Half lotus and full lotus are ideal postures for Zazen.

What is Buddhist sitting?

zazen, in Zen Buddhism, seated meditation. The instructions for zazen direct the disciple to sit in a quiet room, breathing rhythmically and easily, with legs fully or half crossed, spine and head erect, hands folded one palm above the other, and eyes open.

Can I become enlightened?

Although becoming enlightened may not be an easy task, you can move a little closer to enlightenment every day. You can become enlightened by being in the present moment, expanding your understanding of life and the world around you, and meditating to expand your awareness.

What is silent illumination meditation?

‘Silent illumination’ is a meditation practice from the Zen school of meditation. * The practice is described in ways that often sound impossible and contradictory to the Western ear: just sit, the method of no-method, and so on.

How long should zazen last?

Maezen recommends doing zazen for up to five minutes to begin. As you meditate more often, you might be able to sit longer. “Do not be self-critical or impatient with yourself,” she cautions.

What’s the difference between zazen and Zen?

How do you sit in a Zen position?

The traditional position for Zen meditation involves sitting on a circular cushion (zafu) with your legs crossed in the Lotus position, your spine upright, your hands on your thighs, and your eyes pointed slightly downward.