Zen And The Art Of Zen Meditation
I'm not just being facetious with the title - Zen is found in everything, including Zen meditation. Just what is Zen? Mankind has been asking that for thousands of years, and each seems to come up with their own answers. Zen meditation is not for someone who likes neatly packages answers and everything neat and orderly. If you've never heard of Zen before, then go get some aspirin, because what's coming up next will give you a headache.
Say What?
Zen roughly translates to "The Way". Zen meditation, therefore, helps you better follow The Way. However, there are no signs that you are on your Way. There is no map and no guide. You don't really follow Zen, so much as allowing it to carry you. Maybe you better skip the aspirin and go right to acetaminophen.
What Do You Do?
When you read in a book or website about Zen meditation, it is usually referring to a sitting meditation in the classical lotus position we tend to associate with meditation. However, you don't have to go into such a limb-twisting position. Sitting comfortably with your back straight in a quiet place is all that is required.
The point of Zen mediation - or any meditation, for that matter, is to still yourself to the point of mindfulness. You are aware only of the present moment - you don't dwell on the past and don't make plans for the future. And, contrary to popular belief, you not empty your mind of all thoughts. When your mind is empty, that usually means you are unconscious. Being unconscious defeats the purpose of Zen meditation.
This kind of meditation is not very dramatic. You sit, you keep your body still, you breathe deeply and concentrate on your breath or on a mental picture in your head. Some prefer to stare at a painting or a mandala when they meditate. You can keep your eyes open or closed. Just think of one thing at a time.
Beginners are often encouraged to be aware of their breathing. They sit, they notice themselves breathing and get totally into breathing. Be aware of only your inhalations and your exhalations, going in the nose and out of the mouth. Not everyone can do this. This writer can't do it, for example. So I meditate in different ways. But this does help many people, so give it a try. You will not become a master overnight - it takes a lifetime of work.
