Method
Zazen
Classification
- Method family
- contemplative
- Domains
- Philosophy of Mind
Overview
Zazen is seated Zen practice that coordinates posture, breathing, and attention to transform habitual, self-centered ways of experiencing.
Purpose. The practice cultivates embodied, non-discriminatory awareness rather than merely producing a theory about experience. Zazen names a family of seated Zen practices; breath counting, kōan work, and just sitting are not interchangeable techniques.
Characteristic operations
- Adjust the body: Take a stable seated posture suited to sustained practice.
- Adjust the breathing: Let breathing become settled and attend to it as the lineage instructs.
- Adjust the mind: Work with distraction through breath, kōan, or just-sitting practice.
- Return through practice: Carry the less dualistic mode of attention into ordinary activity.
Used by traditions
Applied to questions
References
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Japanese Zen Buddhist Philosophy, §§2–3
- Dōgen, Shōbōgenzō, 'Genjōkōan'