SPECIAL REPOST: Right Zazen and Wrong Zazen

[Jinyo]

Re: SPECIAL REPOST: Right Zazen and Wrong Zazen

Thanks Jundo - that all makes sense and in a way a relief.

Once I've calmed the mind with focussed breath - it's better then to let go - else I become jittery
worrying about what my breath is doing.

Gassho

Willow

[threethirty]

Re: SPECIAL REPOST: Right Zazen and Wrong Zazen

Thanks Jundo, this cleared up some questions I have been having.

[Seimyo]

Re: SPECIAL REPOST: Right Zazen and Wrong Zazen

Thank you Jundo for posting this. It was very timely.

Gassho,
Chris

[ChrisA]

Re: SPECIAL REPOST: Right Zazen and Wrong Zazen

Learned a new vocabulary word: "tanden."

[Porpoise]

Re: SPECIAL REPOST: Right Zazen and Wrong Zazen

The emphasis on breath depends on the teacher. Breath is a wondrous practice, and some Buddhist forms of meditation ... such as described in the very old Anapanasati Sutta ... are centered on the breath and can be a lifetime practice. Some teachers of Shikantaza teach it as centered on counting or following the breath, although I find this to be usually among Shikantaza teachers who teach it as a preliminary to Koan Introspection Zazen.

It is, after all, goalless "just sitting".

We usually just let the breath settle into a natural rhythm. I find that 2 or 3 breaths per minute is a sign of a very balanced Zazen. Let it come and go so naturally that you forget you are breathing.

I've been practising anapanasati for quite a while. Basically using the breath as an "anchor", allowing the mind to settle and then seeing what arises.
I assume this isn't the same as Shikantaza, but I'm still not clear what Shikantaza actually involves.

Could anyone say in a nutshell what the practice is?

Thanks.

[Jundo]

Re: SPECIAL REPOST: Right Zazen and Wrong Zazen

Could anyone say in a nutshell what the practice is?

Thanks.

Well ... you should watch all the short beginners videos for the full story ...

viewforum.php?f=20

... but I might say that Shikantaza is radical, to the marrow, just sitting without thought of judging or attaining ... boundless, allowing, wide open awareness ... without getting tangled in thoughts and emotions ...

... which radical dropping of all need to get somewhere ...

... truly is a constant Wondrous Arrival, and really Getting Somewhere!

Try this little description too:
A VITAL REMINDER ON ZAZEN -- by Jundo
viewtopic.php?f=23&t=2816

Gassho, J

[Khalil Bodhi]

Re: SPECIAL REPOST: Right Zazen and Wrong Zazen

Thank you Jundo and to all the posters in this thread. My main practice is metta so it is taking me some time to let shikantaza sink in but it is well worth the effort. I am as always unsure if I am doing it right but just letting the dhammas arise and pass away of their own accord and not giving n to the impulse to micro-manage my experience is enough to keep me coming back to this practice. Mettaya.

Gassho,

Mike

[Jigetsu]

Re: SPECIAL REPOST: Right Zazen and Wrong Zazen

Just the other day I told my wife, after a sit, "I think I'm doing it wrong..." This actually clears up the frustration I'd felt at feeling so distracted during Zazen. Thank you Jundo!

_/_
Jigetsu

[Mp]

Thank you Jundo ... I always enjoy your clear and simple approach to the teachings.

[Kyonin]

Thank you, Jundo.

[Kaishin]

Thank you, Jundo, as always.

_/\_

[charst46]

Jundo and all the posters,

Gassho.

Thank you for the insights.

Charlie

[dharma7154]

Just what I needed to read today.
Gassho
Lee

[Jakuden]

I wish I were so optimistic about that, but I have seen enough examples of experienced and gifted Buddhists "falling down" to think it not so simple.

Thank you for this. When I struggle with letting go of my attachment to my ego-centered thoughts and feelings, I sometimes despair that I am "doing it wrong" and "don't deserve" to be part of a group of folks that are surely much more advanced in their practice than I.

Gassho,
Sierra
SatwithyouToday

[Myosha]

Hello Sierra,

Been doing it wrong and don't deserve to be part of anything for (what time IS it?). Hasn't stopped shikantaza and can't stop life as it is. Learn self, forget self. Darn, this is when words fail . . . don't expect anything, and you'll be . . .*something*. . .with the lack of result (uhm, what?). Live the signature. Everything is.


Gassho
Myosha sat today