Simple Zen Meditation

Handling stress, change and happiness with Zen

Zazen is a particular kind of meditation, unique to Zen, that functions centrally as the very heart of the practice. Basically, zazen is the study of the self.
We tend to see body, breath, and mind separately, but in zazen they come together as one reality. The first thing to pay attention in zazen to is the position of the body. How you position your body has a lot to do with what happens with your mind and your breath. See these detailed instructions on sitting cross-legged or in a chair.

As we sit and breathe, we are incessantly distracted by thoughts, memories, plans, concerns and fantasies. The events of the past day or week may replay; worries about the future are common, from what to eat for dinner to how to advise a struggling friend. A steady zen practice allows us to see that sadness and happiness, agitation and calmness are all just passing fancies.

Try sitting for 5 minutes per day to start. Focus on the sound and sensation of your breath. Have your eyes open but not focused on anything in particular. Gently bring your awareness back to your breath each time you notice that you have become distracted. Remember, any meditation is good meditation. Start where you are.