Alexander Technique

[Dokan]

Re: Alexander Technique

Hi Everyone,

Just listened to a podcast that Mike Cross shared today on Facebook that I thought some of you may also be interested:

http://bodylearning.buzzsprout.com/382/ ... meditation

Also he had some very good commentary on the podcast which I think is worth re-sharing as well:

Hi Robert, If Zen practitioners come to you with aches and pains because they react badly to their teachers' instruction, by stiffening up, or getting "set," the fault as I see it is primarily with the teacher. You and Michael seem to lean towards sympathizing with the Japanese so-called masters and blaming the deluded Western students. But the truth as I see it is that there are no true Zen masters in Japan, and there haven't been for a long time. If there were any true teachers, they would teach the things you teach your Alexander pupils, to stop them stiffening up and getting set. They would recognize the folly of teaching others, whether Japanese or non-Japanese, to try to sit upright, straightening the spine, pulling the neck back, and all the rest of it. There is no difference to speak of between what deluded people in the west call "good/right posture," and what the Japanese call "tadashi shisei." It's not a problem of cross-cultural communication. As I see it, it is a problem...

I would argue however that Chodo's argument maybe is only valid in that these teachers are probably basing their teachings off of Fukanzazengi (something that Chodo has talked extensively about in his blog) and have limited to no exposure of the methodologies employed by AT.

Just my 2c.

Gassho,

Shawn

[Taigu]

Re: Alexander Technique

Nowadays,a growing number of Zen priests, some in San Francisco Zen center, some in Los Angeles, some even in Japan ( Rev Fujita) are inetrested in Alexander Technique as it makes it possible to really sit at ease and joyfully. Unfortunately, many people out of arrogance refuse to even think about it.

About Fujita and his work, check this blog...

http://rceezwhatzmore.blogspot.com/2010 ... kshop.html

Alexander...We are talking here about the discovery of a fine and great gentleman who worked endlessly, studying the way he stood, sat and moved, through a mirror and discovered the extent of his misuse. He started to teach others and the Technique was born.

Many Zen monks have expressed doubts and even hostility towards the Technique over the last twenty years. Sadly, even Nishijima roshi refused to even consider taking a lesson to see for himself. Sadly, many people said that this was thinking, and thinking was out of the question in the unfolding of the body mind in shikantaza.
Sadly, as often, this is the product of a very lethal combination: arrogance paired with ignorance. They fuel and feed each other, I see them at work in my own mind and life as well as in others.

I said many times how much the Technique changed my life and totally revolutionised the way I sit. Twenty five years of painful sittings, back aches, tensions and sweating went out of the window. The possibility of ease and joy, and of course, the complete cure of my back troubles that used to keep me in bed for days on end. How? A miracle? Prayers? Tricks?

Nothing of the sort. Just work. With the help of the hands of a teacher and many hours of inhibiting and directing consciously.

A few beliefs that AT may challenge:

Painful sitting is normal
Breathing should be controlled
One should straighten the back with the chin in
The whole form of zazen should be like a solid and steady mountain
the teacher should correct the student or the student should correct himself of herself

and many more…

In fact, Alexander rediscovered a very important teaching which is the heart of Dogen’s Shobogenzo and beautifully expressed by Koun Ejo in the Absorption in the treasury of light:


“Do not seek reality, just stop views”,

non doing and inhibition, allowing, not fabricating or making. The technique is not a skill one can get after a few lessons, it is a lifetime journey.

The radiance of allowing is close to the brightness dear to Koun Ejo, encompassing, radiating in all directions, dynamic ebb of joyous space.

But don't be mistaken: one doesn't think inhibition or direction during sitting, one does it prior to sitting, just like we inhibit and think about the directions before getting off the chair in a lesson.

gassho


Taigu

[Kaishin]

Re: Alexander Technique

I'd like to visit an AT teacher, and found one not too far away. But, it's not in the budget right now. Is it worth bothering with books (like the one Shawn linked to above), or should I just save and wait for when I can get in-person instruction?

[Taigu]

Re: Alexander Technique

Matt,

I think you shoukd just wait because nothing can really match what you will deeply experience through a very good teache's guidance. Although the training is long and pricy to become a qualified Alexander teacher, I have the impression that the prices are really mad. In England they are cheaper and as good. What a shame.

gassho


Taigu