Zazen
Zen sitting practice
Zazen is seated meditation in Zen Buddhism—the practice of sitting in a specific posture, typically cross-legged, while focusing on breath and allowing thoughts to pass without attachment.
Unlike meditation aimed at achieving a particular state, zazen emphasizes simply sitting with awareness: She practices zazen for thirty minutes each morning.
The word is Japanese, combining *za* (sitting) with *zen*.
Zen meditation hall
- meditation hallRoom for contemplative practice
- bellHollow resonating instrument
- incenseAnger greatly, or aromatic resin
- altarSacred ritual table
timer · dawn · silence · retreat · schedule · chanting · bowing · robe
Buddhist mind-puzzle
- satoriSudden spiritual awakening
- enlightenmentProfound spiritual awakening
- beginner's mindUnencumbered openness to learning
- emptinessAbsence of substance
dharma · sangha · transmission · lineage · monastery · teacher
Being in seated posture
- meditationFocused attention practice
- postureBody position, alignment
- cushionStuffed fabric for comfort
- breathingPulmonary gas exchange
stillness · awareness · concentration · lotus · counting breaths · spine · alignment · legs crossed
Focused mental awareness
- present momentCurrent point in time
- thoughtsMental reflections
- letting goReleasing one's grasp
- non-attachmentFreedom from possessive clinging
equanimity · clarity · insight · calm · focus · observation · wandering · returning
zendo
Zen meditation hall
- meditation hallRoom for contemplative practice
- bellHollow resonating instrument
- incenseAnger greatly, or aromatic resin
altar · timer · dawn · silence · retreat · schedule · chanting · bowing · robe · community
koan
Buddhist mind-puzzle
- satoriSudden spiritual awakening
- enlightenmentProfound spiritual awakening
- beginner's mindUnencumbered openness to learning
emptiness · dharma · sangha · transmission · lineage · monastery · teacher
sitting
Being in seated posture
- meditationFocused attention practice
- postureBody position, alignment
- cushionStuffed fabric for comfort
breathing · stillness · awareness · concentration · lotus · counting breaths · spine · alignment · legs crossed · hands
attention
Focused mental awareness
- present momentCurrent point in time
- thoughtsMental reflections
- letting goReleasing one's grasp
non-attachment · equanimity · clarity · insight · calm · focus · observation · wandering · returning · witnessing
- meditationbreathing meditation, breath, breath meditation, mantra, breathing
- Buddhist traditionsTheravada, Mahayana, Tibetan Buddhism
Zazenrunning
Swift foot travel
dancing · ecstatic dance · walking meditation · whirling · prostrations
Zazenrumination
Prolonged, repetitive thinking
overthinking · monkey mind · planning · multitasking · distraction
Zazenstriving
Earnest sustained endeavor
acquisitiveness · rat race · hustle · careerism · consumerism