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Zen Meditation



Zen meditation comes from a long Buddhist tradition. Also known as zazen, this sitting meditation, usually done in the lotus position in a quiet space, focuses on clarity and calmness of the mind to experience awakening. As thoughts arise, they are simply observed and released, as is the cycle of breath. There is no specific focus of the practice. Although Zen meditation seeks no answers, the practice of awareness, appreciation and connectedness to the present moment will bring life answers on their own terms. Some Zen masters will present a koan, a type of riddle or puzzle, at the time of meditation, as a tool to open the mind to possibilities.

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Phrases and Spaces

Zen practitioners don’t “work on” koans. Koans work on them. Norman Fischer offers a poet’s take on the phrases and spaces of Zen practice, including his favorite: “Who is sick?”

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Still the Mind: An Introduction to Meditation

Mark Watts compiled this book from his father’s extensive journals and audiotapes of famous lectures he delivered across the country.

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Beyond Thinking: A Guide to Zen Meditation

Spiritual practice is not some kind of striving to produce enlightenment, but an expression of the enlightenment already inherent in all things: Such is the Zen teaching of Dogen Zenji (1200–1253) whose profound writings have been studied and revered for more than seven hundred years, influencing...

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Being Zen: Bringing Meditation to Life

We can use whatever life presents to strengthen our spiritual practice—including the turmoil of daily life. What we need is the willingness to just be with our experiences—whether they are painful or pleasing—and open ourselves to the reality of our lives without trying to fix or change anything.

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01:24:31

Not Knowing Is the Most Intimate

In this satsang, we explore the Zen teaching “not knowing is the most intimate” in light of our current situation. As always, the meeting features guided meditation, talk, and dialogue.

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Zen Is Right Here: Teaching Stories and Anecdotes of Shunryu Suzuki

Shunryu Suzuki’s extraordinary gift for conveying traditional Zen teachings using ordinary language is well known to the countless readers of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. In Zen Is Right Here, his teachings are brought to life powerfully and directly through stories told about him by his students.

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Mindfulnyu Founder Refuses to Leave the Present

Is there a difference between living and being truly alive? For Yael Shy, senior director of Global Center for Academic and Spiritual Life, the answer lies in meditation.

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03:22

Zen Buddhism

An introduction to Zen, a form of Buddhism that emphasizes seeking one's own Buddha nature through meditation.

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Ten Zen Seconds: Twelve Incantations for Purpose, Power and Calm

In the midst of life's ongoing pressures, a powerful, ten-second technique can change fear or worry into calm, strength, and centeredness. The basis of Ten Zen Seconds lies in using a single deep breath as a container for a specific thought.

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09:58

Zen Buddhism: Shunryu Suzuki Roshi - Part 2

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Zen Buddhism