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What is Zazen ? |
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Zazen has recently been in the limelight in the world. Sitting in meditation itself is the most stable condition of the body. Through Zazen, we keep the spiritual quietness and attain a state of pure and immaculate mind. Zazen is effective to concentrate oneﾕs mind. Indeed, many of motives which applicants of Zazen have are as follows, to cure one’s diseases, to train one’s spirit, and so on. However, these wishes are superficially, there is a fundamental concern in their mind. It is a matter of life and death. We can’t attain peace of mind without getting out of the matter. For that it is important that we awaken one’s true nature. Zazen is the best and the most rational way to awaken one’s true nature. It is very important that we sit for the purpose of Zazen itself. |
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The rules for Zazen |
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Human beings have “Shi’igi (四威儀 ; the four modes of physical acts)” ; walking, standing, sitting, and lying. Sitting is the most stable mode of acts. Bodhidharma said “Outside, cut off relations with all things; inside, have no concerns. Keep your mind like a wall, and you will certainly attain the Way.” He taught his disciples to do Zazen with this mind. Eno (Hui-neng;慧能) defined “No thought face to face with every good or evil, it is called ‘Za’. And to ascertain inside one’s own nature with unfettered mind, it is called ‘Zen.’” Zazen needs to unify body, breath, and mind. They are oneness. Zazen straightens not only one’s body but also mind. |
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ZEN