Zazen: Zen Meditation
The heart of Zen training is zazen. Without
zazen there is no Zen, no realization, and no application of the
practice.
- Robert Aitken Roshi
With the ordering and immobilizing of feet,
legs, hands, arms, trunk, and head in the traditional lotus posture,
with the regulating of the breath, the methodical stilling of
the thoughts and unification of the mind through special concentration,
with the development of control over the emotions and strengthening
of the will, and with the cultivation of a profound silence in
the deepest recesses of the mind—in other words, through
the practice of zazen—there are established the optimum
preconditions for looking into the heart-mind and discovering
there the true nature of existence.
- Philip Kapleau Roshi
Zazen,
or Zen meditation, is the heart of Zen Buddhist practice. For
Zen Buddhists, zazen expresses the fullness of the enlightened
mind of the Buddha. In zazen, we let go of all of our thoughts,
feelings, and concepts, and through this practice can experience
directly the essential nature of the universe and ourselves. This
realization naturally finds its expression through compassionate
action in the world, and brings benefit to all beings.
The Lotus in the Flame temple maintains a regular schedule of
zazen two evenings and four mornings per week. These are all
open to the public, but those who are coming to their first sitting
must come to an evening sitting or Sunday morning, when a talk
is scheduled (see Zen Talks) for instruction.
Evening zazen takes place on Tuesday and Thursday nights
from 7- 8:45 pm. Morning zazen takes place Tuesday through Friday
mornings from 6-7:10 am. Occasionally, the Center is closed for
holidays or retreats, so please check the calendar
before coming.
People take an interest in meditation and Zen practice for a
variety of reasons. Some people practice for health benefits;
some for blissful or visionary states; some are looking for enlightenment-
their own or for all beings; and some, having profound faith,
practice zazen just for its own sake. There are certainly other
reasons a person may wish to meditate, and person may find that
their reasons for practicing zazen have several underlying motivations.
Also, one might start one way and over time find that one’s
attitudes and goals for practice have changed. Whatever it is
that brings a person to the zendo, the most important thing is
to practice sincerely and wholeheartedly. As long as a person
maintains the standard forms and etiquette within the zendo (meditation
hall), and is respectful of the temple, teacher, and other practitioners,
they are welcome to practice with us.
Those attending a sitting should wear loose-fitting, comfortable
clothing of a subdued color. Please do not wear shorts, short
skirts, revealing clothing, or strong scents. Cell phones and
beepers should be turned off, or set to vibrate mode. Please respect
our temple space by refraining from loud conversation, smoking,
or bringing in food and drinks. People under the influence of
drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave. Currently, childcare
is not provided, so please make arrangements for children. We
recommend that people read the instructions for zazen
and zendo etiquette pages before
coming.
