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This reminded me of the koan about whether it was the flag or the wind that was moving, and it was the mind that was moving. Thank you Jundo, I saw that video like 10 years ago, but it is always nice to come back to these teachingsThe sound is vibrations from outside, but the interpretation and emotional reaction is between our ears. In fact, the vibrations from Suzuki Roshi's mouth via video are interpreted by my brain as Wisdom.
Gassho, Tomás
SatComment
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There is not good or bad Zazen. Zazen is always GOOD! ... both when it is good and clear and silent, and on those days when the mind is stormy and it is very very bad.There is no "good" or "bad" Zazen.
A key to Good Zazen is when we learn to sit in radical equanimity, leaping through "good vs. bad," yet with trust in our bones that this very moment of sitting Zazen is Good! just by sitting.
It is a very Good Koan!
Gassho, J
stlahALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLEComment
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One can also sit Burmese style with a small bench. There are diagrams, suggestions on You Tube. I can't sit this away or on Zafu because of knee pain and Back pain and have purchased a straight back chair with arms but fork one who wishes more traditional style of sitting, Burmese may work.
Gassho
sat/lahPeaceful, Tai Shi. Ubasoku; calm, supportive,
for positive poetry 優婆塞 台 婆Comment
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Greetings,
I can speak from my own personal experience to anyone struggling with pain during Zazen. I struggled with a lot of physical knee and back pain after military service. For me, when I also started a daily yoga practice, and eventually became a yoga teacher, I found that my Zazen also improved. My knee and back pain has become far less noticeable and now I can sit for much longer. Previously even 10 minutes was met with much pain. Now I can easily sit for an hour without much discomfort. I highly recommend either yoga, or anything that involves loosening the spine and stretching the body. It can be a tremendous supportive practice.
Gassho,
AnGyo
SatTodayComment
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I've went through all beginner videos for the first time. This was a great opportunity to get bit size teachings of zazen! Thank you so much for the opportunity to learn from you. I've also have been digging deep into the podcast " The Zen of Everything" which has given me even more opportunity to learn from you Jundo.
The forum is vast, where do you suggest a beginner go from here?
Gassho,
Alicia
Sat todayComment
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Oh, just sit. Join in whatever talks look helpful, ignore the rest.
There are also our Buddha Basics and Bodhisattva Basics threads here, with some introductory information on those topics:
Some recent questions, discussions and events can be found in the "Recommended Threads Today" tab ...
... or just by clicking the "new posts" tab at the top of the page. Or you can do search word for any other topic you might be interested in. We also have a recommended reading list for beginners:
One of our Sangha Buddhies can offer some guidance if you get lost:
We also have various practices and activities going on here:
But, really ... just keep sitting, read a little about Soto Practice, ignore the rest.
Gassho, Jundo
STLahALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLEComment
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This is a wonderful beginner series and I continue the daily zazen practice. I just finished talk #17. Still learning and finding that the next video seems to naturally answer the questions that arise in my mind as I practice. Great continuity and natural flow to the information.
p.s. Jundo, our family cat looked SO much like your cat in these videos. Right to the black mark by the nose. I miss her, and it brings warmth to see your cat moving about and meowing as you do the recordings.
Sat today
VeronicaLast edited by Veronica; 12-14-2022, 07:28 PM.Comment
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Do you have posting on Buddhist indoctrination of children into a religion topic?Comment
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I had this thought on non attachment where I do see the benefits but Im also seeing it as a selfish act in some ways to become numb to others suffering.I can not seem to be happy totally if even one person suffers in the world this Guilt comes over me like how can I be happy totally when in parts of the world kids are starving. Do I sit and just let it go and be numb to it?Comment
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Hi Spirit,
I usually say this. I don't believe in "indoctrinating" children, but I believe that parents can set an example that will have good effects on their lives. Below is what I usually say ...
By the way, would you mind signing a human name, and maybe adding a human face photo? It helps keep things warmer and more human around here. Thank you.
Gassho, Jundo
SatTodayLAH
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the following is my usual advice about Zazen and kids.
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I too believe that I am introducing my children to Buddhist values, perspectives and practices in our household, but they are free to walk their own path when older. They are "Buddhist" in the way that their upbringing has been imbued with such teachings.
I am not even really a fan of the word "Buddhist", but use it as a convention for people who seek to learn from and walk the Path of the Buddha Dharma, the Teachings. It is a label that we use to describe ourselves like "tall" or "Canadian" or "baseball fan" because we may be those things. There is some small truth there, but labels are ultimately limiting.
We had some threads in the past about kids and Zen Practice, and whether kids should sit Zazen ... and why my son and daughter used to think daddy was bad because he was always sitting "time-outs" in the corner!
Every home is different, but in our house Leon (when smaller) or Sada sits with me for about 10 minutes now and then ... before either dashing off or falling asleep. Leon used to sit with me more when smaller, not so interested now at 11. My daughter joins me from time to time,
I do not think that we need to insist that our young children sit Zazen. Perfectly fine though if they ask to do so, or come over on their own. Otherwise, it is best just to create a loving home in which lessons of Wisdom and Compassion, the Precepts and other teachings of the Buddha are naturally passed down to our children. Let them learn about Zazen from seeing the place and effect that Zazen has in our lives Then, years from now, when they are grown ... maybe they will turn to it too (your child saying years from now, "That Practice had a positive effect on mom and dad, and they were good parents ... maybe I should try that too").
Now, when my daughter plops down in my lap, she is always welcome. If my son is making noise, I ask him kindly to stop while I am sitting. However, ultimately, the noise is "just what is" and we sit with it, all the Buddha's chanting.
In the meantime, one issue for me is those times I have to give a "time out" to Leon or Sada, and have them sit in the corner. It looks too much like Zazen. In fact, when Leon was younger, he asked my wife if papa was "bad all the time, because he is always sitting in the corner"! I think he now understands the difference!
Our house naturally blends a variety of religions and customs. Most Japanese practice both Shinto and Buddhist Traditions, a time for each. My wife's family are Nichiren Buddhists, and I am the "Zenny" of course, and we respect both ... a time and place for each. I also throw in some Jewish Traditions to respect my background and family, and "Santa Claus" and "Christmas" is all around the stores and kids' TV even here in Japan ... no problem.
One thing I would like to do is find some new ways to introduce our children to Buddhist and Zen Traditions. I came up with this a couple of years ago, "Buddhist Family Holidays", to recognize our own holiday traditions in the Spring and at the end of the year (there are other holidays which might be added too for other times of the year, like Bodhidharma's Birthday. Right now the two holidays we have begun with our Buddha's Birthday in the Spring and Buddha's Enlightenment Day, Rohatsu, in December). I thought it a great way to get the kids involved. However, nothing ever came of the program and it is rather neglected, just sitting there. The next holiday, Vesak, is in May in Japanese Tradition.
I am looking for someone who can volunteer to really take the lead on it and make it take wing. Write me privately if you think you can.
Gassho, Jundo Dad
SatTodayALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLEComment
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Oh, please do not confuse non-attachment with being detached and uncaring!!
Non-attachment is like the wheel which turns freely, without friction, which may be on the vehicle or ambulance to bring food and comfort to those who need, to help those who suffer. It is something like loving and appreciating those around us, our family and fellow sentient beings, without excess clinging or tension.
Imagine a flower that one full appreciates when present, waters and nurtures, and is sorry to see pass when the season ends. One can fully care for and nurture, feeling appreciation and love of the flower, sad to see it wither. And yet, when the season ends and the flower dies, one also has a heart which senses something more. That is "non-attachment" which does not cling to the outer form, but releases such into that which is beyond mere coming and going.
Something like that.
Gassho, Jundo
stlahALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLEComment
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Dont get rebirth for one I see no evidence of it nor what it is that is thats reborn. Unless ideas are carried over.Comment
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Not with my arthritis and 220lbs. I would never get up. so I do it in a recliner lying down each day at 2:00 pm for 20 min
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ok great I like to think a child should be allowed to grow and question things tyComment
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