Zazen is a meditative discipline that is typically the primary practice of the Zen Buddhist tradition. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] The generalized Japanese term for meditation is 瞑想 ( meisō ); however, zazen has been used informally to include all forms of seated Buddhist meditation.

Nov 11, 2010 · Bodhidharma, who is regarded as the First Patriarch of Ch'an or the Zen tradition, is sometimes called the wall-contemplating or wall-gazing Brahmin. He is often depicted as sitting in a cave gazing at the cave's wall which he did, supposedly, for nine years!

May 23, 2010 · Zazen is only one of many forms of Buddhist meditation but it is the central practice of Zen. It is the introspective practice of placing your “self” on equal ground with your perceptions by not giving it the free range that it ordinarily has.

This very old misunderstanding of zazen goes back to the roots of Zen in China and an erroneous depiction of Bodhidharma’s practice of “wall-gazing.” Let’s first begin with a note about Bodhidharma who was the twenty-eighth ancestor of Zen in the ancestral lineage that began with Shakyamuni Buddha.

Jul 31, 2024 · It is well-known that in the Soto lineage, zazen is usually done facing a wall. It's said that it is the practice of Bodhidharma that has been transmitted for fifteen-hundred years. But there's reason to doubt that's true.

The foundation of the Soto Zen School’s teachings is zazen. This originated with Shakyamuni Buddha who devoted himself to the practice of zazen and subsequently attained enlightenment.

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 ...

Jan 12, 2022 · When doing zazen in a soto dojo (meditation hall), the meditator sits facing a wall in order to avoid distracted by external movement. It is suggested to do the same at home. The position of the hands during zazen is the same for the …

Zazen When you reach a seat, turn to face your place and gassho-bow to your companions — who gassho-bow in return. Sit down and face the wall for zazen, or face into the room for talks, service, and the short zazen immediately before talks.

Apr 3, 2019 · A guided Zen meditation, for those interested in trying the simple (but not easy!) meditation of the Soto Zen school of Buddhism. This meditation is known as zazen—or serene reflection meditation. Traditionally, Zazen is done sitting in an upright position facing a wall.