The most effective zazen posture is the position of the seated Buddha. Sitting on the floor is recommended because it is grounded and offers a more stable base.

The posture of zazen is seated, with crossed legs and folded hands, and an erect but settled spine. [12] The hands are folded together into a simple mudra over the belly. [12]

The main point of zazen posture is to attend, and not to merely take on or force the body into a particular position in order to look or feel "holy" or "like a Buddha".

Several methods and techniques exist to accomplish this, including the well-known “full lotus” position, which is generally recommended for more advanced practitioners, but not usually employed by beginners.

Sep 30, 2024 · Half lotus and full lotus are ideal postures for Zazen. If you can’t sit like this, you can try a different position, such as: Sit in Burmese position, with one ankle in front of the other....

Feb 24, 2025 · Zazen is a type of meditation unique to Zen Buddhism. It involves focusing on the breath and remaining in the present moment. To begin practicing Zen meditation, find a comfortable place and position. Try short sessions where you focus on your breath. With time, develop a routine that works for you.

The essential thing in doing zazen is to awaken (kakusoku) from distraction and dullness, and return to the right posture moment by moment. Getting up from zazen When you finish zazen, bow in gassho, place your hands palms-up on your thighs, sway your body a few times, first a little, and then more extensively. Take a deep breath. Unfold your legs.

Feb 23, 2017 · Zazen, seated meditation, is the central practice of the Zen school of Buddhism. This episode is about what zazen is and why we do it. I also give you instructions for how to do zazen, including physical posture and what to “do” with your mind. After listening, you’ll have everything you need to give zazen a try.

An ideal zazen regimen is 30 minutes 4-6 days a week, but you should start wherever you can. Make it a part of your life and see what difference it makes—regardless of whether you enjoy it or think you’re doing it “right.”

6 days ago · The core of Zen Buddhism is zazen, which focuses on the precise alignment of the pose, the normal breath flow, as well as the fall and rise of thoughts. Zazen entails sitting on a spherical meditation cushion (zafu), crossed legs as in the Lotus position, spine upright, hands on thighs, and eyes slightly downward and half open.