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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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Living And Dying In Zazen: Five Zen Masters Of Modern Japan

Living and Dying in Zazen combines the life stories and teaching of five teachers—Kodo Sawaki, Sodo Yokoyama, Kozan Kato, Motoko Ikebe, and Uchiyama—associated with Antaiji monastery and the story of Bravermen and other Western students coming to grips with Zen, Japanese culture, and themselves.

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8 Common Obstacles to Meditation

In any adventure there are obstacles of all kinds. Each one needs to be confronted. Here are the eight I observe most frequently in teaching meditation. 

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The Last Samurai

An American military advisor embraces the Samurai culture he was hired to destroy after he is captured in battle.

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07:54

Joko Beck: Source & Summary of Her Teaching

Charlotte Joko Beck (1917-2011) established the "Ordinary Mind Zen" lineage in 1995. In Dharma talks she explicitly cited Hubert Benoit's book "The Supreme Doctrine" as the most important influence on her own practice and teaching. Benoit's book is technically very difficult.

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The Art of Simple Living: 100 Daily Practices from a Japanese Zen Monk for a Lifetime of Calm and Joy

In clear, practical, easily adopted lessons--one a day for 100 days--renowned Buddhist monk Shunmyo Masuno draws on centuries of wisdom to teach you to Zen your life. Discover how . . .

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These Zen Priests Could Make You Less Fearful of Death

For many of us, thinking about death—our own, or that of anyone we love—is supremely difficult. So, most of the time, we don’t think about it at all—until we have no choice.

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55:03

Dharma Talk at Upaya Zen Center with Natalie Goldberg

Natalie Goldberg speaks on the practice of writing.

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Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice

"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few." So begins this most beloved of all American Zen books. Seldom has such a small handful of words provided a teaching as rich as has this famous opening line of Shunryu Suzuki's classic.

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How a Daily Meditation Practice Helps You Find Trust

One of the nice things about meditation is that when we sit with these moments as they arise, we start to trust in them and in the dark grace.

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29:04

Old Dharma Brothers in Conversation | Jon Kabat-Zinn, Stephen Mitchell

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The information offered here is not a substitute for professional advice. Please proceed with care and caution.

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Zen Buddhism