Zazen for Beginners Series: THREAD for QUESTIONS, COMMENTS

[Jundo]

Thank you for the post on pain. It's something I have been sitting with (no pun intended : ) ), and trying to figure out how to live with my chronic back pain in my practice. I appreciated that you acknowledged the feeling one can have when they see everyone seated so perfectly, and for some with physical injuries or limitations, it may not be possible to appear this way. Just that acknowledgement alone was really helpful.

Sat today


Autolyse

This may help as well ...

Zen Practice with Physical Illness or Disability

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?15681-Zen-Practice-with-Physical-Illness-or-Disability

We all "sit" as our body needs to "sit." Many fine ways to "sit."

Gassho, Jundo

stlah

[autolyse]

Oh I enjoyed that video so much! Thank you! I had never seen it.

As a mother of very young children, sometimes there is so much... noise. Today I will begin listening differently, and perhaps hearing more of the sound.

Thank you.
Sat today

[autolyse]

Thank you for the post on pain. It's something I have been sitting with (no pun intended : ) ), and trying to figure out how to live with my chronic back pain in my practice. I appreciated that you acknowledged the feeling one can have when they see everyone seated so perfectly, and for some with physical injuries or limitations, it may not be possible to appear this way. Just that acknowledgement alone was really helpful.

Sat today


Autolyse

[WorkerB]

Thank you for the Zazen for Beginners series. I'm going to type each of the thoughts for today that concluded each video, and will tuck a small print of each randomly in the pages of my daily planner.

Thank you for sharing these lessons!

Gassho,
b.

Sat today

[Houzan]

Thank you for this series. Clarified many points for me.


Michael
SatToday LaH

[Jundo]

Dont get rebirth for one I see no evidence of it nor what it is that is thats reborn. Unless ideas are carried over.

Hi Again,

Yes, I also do not care about, or believe too much, in overly literal views of some rebirth. On the other hand, I see that we are reborn as all things, and all things as us ... every blade of grass, star, baby everywhere ...

And our actions have effects, for good and bad ... both on our own life now, those around us, and even people far away or in the future in this interconnected world.

We have some discussion here:

Buddha-Basics (Part XV) — Karma

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?7722-Buddha-Basics-%28Part-XVI%29-%C2%97-Rebirth

Buddha-Basics (Part XVI) — Rebirth?

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?7722-Buddha-Basics-%28Part-XVI%29-%C2%97-Rebirth

I like to say:

But what about those future lives, heavens and hells? Will I be reborn as an Asura or a cocker spaniel?

My attitude, and that of many other Buddhist teachers, is that ...

If there are future lives, heavens and hells ... live this life here and now, seek not to do harm, seek not to build "heavens" and "hells" in this world ... let what happens after "death" take care of itself.

And if there are no future lives, no heavens or hells ... live this life here and now, seek not to do harm, seek not to build "heavens" and "hells" in this world ... let what happens after "death" take care of itself.

Thus I do not much care if, in the next life, that "gentle way, avoiding harm" will buy me a ticket to heaven and keep me out of hell ... but I know for a fact that it will go far to do so in this life, today, where I see people create all manner of "heavens and hells" for themselves and those around them by their harmful words, thoughts and acts in this life.

And if there is a "heaven and hell" in the next life, or other effects of Karma now ... well, my actions now have effects then too, and might be the ticket to heaven or good rebirth.

In other words, whatever the case ... today, now ... live in a gentle way, avoiding harm to self and others (not two, by the way) ... seeking to avoid harm now and in the future too.

Gassho, J

SatTodayLah

ok great I like to think a child should be allowed to grow and question things ty

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

Dont get rebirth for one I see no evidence of it nor what it is that is thats reborn. Unless ideas are carried over.

[Jundo]

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?

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

stlah

[Jundo]

Do you have posting on Buddhist indoctrination of children into a religion topic?

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

====

the following is my usual advice about Zazen and kids.

=====================

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!

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?12974-BUMP-Celebrate-the-BUDDHIST-HOLIDAYS-with-Your-Family%21&p=143155&viewfull=1#post143155

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.

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?8335-Visit-our-Buddhist-Family-holidays-Webpage

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

SatToday

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?

Do you have posting on Buddhist indoctrination of children into a religion topic?

[Veronica]

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
Veronica

[Jundo]

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 today

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:

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?171-The-BEGINNER-s-PLACE

Some recent questions, discussions and events can be found in the "Recommended Threads Today" tab ...

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?48-Recommended-Threads-Today

... 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:

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?5711-Suggested-Books-Media

One of our Sangha Buddhies can offer some guidance if you get lost:

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?15768-FEELING-LOST-AROUND-THE-COMMUNITY-Contact-our-SANGHA-BUDDHIES

We also have various practices and activities going on here:

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?165-PRACTICES

But, really ... just keep sitting, read a little about Soto Practice, ignore the rest.

Gassho, Jundo

STLah