Zen meditation is also referred to as Zazen. It is a type of meditation that works centrally. It is actually the study of oneself. Most Zen Buddhists are also referred to as “Zen”. When attaining enlightenment, Buddha was seen in seated meditation. Today, Zen meditation has come with the same seated meditating tradition.
This type of meditation was pursued for long 2500 years and passed on from one generation to the other. This has been considered to be the most important thing that has been passed on. It spread its wings from India to China, then Japan to rest of the Asia and finally to the western country.
Zen meditation has evolved as a boon to people across the globe who are really stressed out due to the irregularity, chaos and tensions existing in their daily life. It is a very simple practice. You will find it very easy to describe and more easy to follow.
However, just as other meditation practices, it takes your efforts to enjoy the benefits.
Human beings have a tendency to visualize body, breath and mind separately. When it comes to Zen meditation, all these aspects unite as one big reality.
The most important thing to focus on here is the position of the body. The body follows a specific pattern to communicate to the world and to communicate to itself internally. The manner in which you position your body has a lot to do with what happens to you breath and ultimately to the mind.
The most recommended pose in Zen meditation is the sitting position. The use of Zafu or a small pillow in order to raise the back a little is common. It helps the knees to touch the ground. With your bottom on the pillow and two knees touching the ground, you tend to create a tripod base that provides you three hundred and sixty-degree stability.
Here are some of the most common Zen meditations:
a) Burmese position
There are many varied leg positions, you can follow when seated in this position. The first and the simplest pose possible here is in which you need to cross your legs and both your feet rest flat on the floor. Rest the knees on the floor. Now, the muscles will get loose and your knees begin to drop.
Sit on the third of the Zafu pillow and shift your body forward a little. Imagine that top of your head is pushing towards the ceiling, stretch your body, keep your body straight and let your muscles go soft and relax. With your buttock on the Zafu push your stomach a little and keep your body upright.
b) Half lotus position
This is a position where the left foot should be placed on to the right thigh and the right leg should be touched under.
c) Seize position
Kneel with your buttocks resting on the upturned feet that form an anatomical cushion. You can even use a pillow in order to keep the weight away from the ankles.
Follow the Zen meditation techniques mentioned above and benefit from these.
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