Zen meditation is a process of releasing negative thoughts away from the mind. It is somewhat different from the Buddhist religion though for it requires one to get into the process of self-reflection to achieve a maximum level of inner peace. Its primary purpose is for an individual to completely understand the nature of life and experience enlightenment.
Three main key points in achieving positive effects of meditation are concentration, Koan Introspection, and Shikantaza.
Meditation begins with pure concentration in the mind. Focus all your attention to your breathing as you count numbers in your head. Breathing is your shield whenever distracting factors occur. Koan introspection is a paradoxical anecdote or riddle used in meditation. Shikantaza or “just sitting” in other words, is a part of meditation where concentration is the center.
After you have selected your practice of preference, you have to be familiar with the positions used in Zen meditation.
The Burmese Position
This position may look similar to the regular cross-legged sitting position. However, the Burmese position necessitates an individual to be conscious of both feet’s positioning. Position both feet with one foot in front of the other, lying relaxed ion the floor. Make sure that the heels are pointing directly towards your pelvis.
The Seiza Position
In English, this means “correct sitting”. In this position, both knees rest on the floor while the buttocks area sits on the sole of the feet.
The Half-Lotus Position
This is similar to the Indian style of sitting where one foot is situated on the of the other. To do this, simply sit as you do in Indian sitting and lift one foot up and position it on top of the other foot
The Full-Lotus Position
You also start this position by sitting down Indian style. You then reach over one foot and extend it to lie on your lap, do the same with the other foot. This way, both legs are crossed with one leg on top of the other. Ensure that both knees face the floor comfortably.
When you are done choosing your meditation position, you have to remember a few important details:
- Mouth is closed all the time. Slightly press the tongue over the upper palate to avoid swallowing and salivating.
- Look down. Focus your eye vision on the floor.
- Chin tucked in.
- Align your nose with your navel.
- Torso should not bend any direction; it should be upright all the time.
- Close your hands like a “cosmic mudra”. Both hands come together with a position somewhat similar to holding a circular object. The dominant hand supports the other other hand and both tips of the thumbs touch.
The main concern of Zen meditation is breathing. The breath in Zen meditation is believed to be a source of absolute power, and when combined with the power of the mind, it transforms us to see the truths that lie in our life.
The world can be very exhausting and stressful, Zen meditation can relieve us from all of it,
