"Zazen is actually not complicated" - C.J. Beck

[jus]

awesome, those links were really helpful. I guess its just a case of the "beginners mind" here. a lot of my information about sitting zazen is a little dated, where it seemed that breath counting was the end-all-be-all. or else maybe they were just speaking to beginners. but ive noticed that most of the great teachers today hardly if ever recommend it. I even read something yesterday about if you start to get lost in thought, to not go back to breath, but to straighten your spine each time (ouch). it also seems that in most other practices, that breath counting (or awareness) is used solely to quiet the mind, in attempts to prep oneself for the "real meditation" (for lack of better terms). its also funny, that when I get lost in thought, your words about "there is no bad zazen" come to mind, and then I get lost in that. sort of like I already assume that im sitting a "bad zazen". and then that gives me reason to just slack off (man, I need a teacher with a hitting stick!). and youre right, if shikantaza was easy you guys would be out of a job, but also if it were easy, itd probably be not so much fun for me to continue to sit and learn more! gassho, Justin (sorry, "enter" key is broken on this comp.)

[Shokai]

Thanks Jundo; I think this may be my new best favorite video

Of course, this is my all time favorite (interactive) zen site http://www.do-not-zzz.com/
but, this might now just definitely be my new best zen quote;

Actually, I am kind of happy that this Shikantaza thing is not something most people can just pick up in a day, because then Taigu and me would be out of a job! (just kidding)