ISSUE 02 | FEBRUARY 2020
BIKERS CLUB ® MAGAZINE | PAGE 44
B I K E R S C L U B ® | www.bikersclub.in
Breathing
Zen breathing cannot be compared with any
other, and it is a fundamental part of the Zazen
practice. The correct breathing can only be
achieved through the right posture. During Zazen,
breathe quietly through the nose and keep the
mouth closed.
Try to establish a calm, long and deep natural
rhythm. You should focus on exhalation while
inhalation is done naturally. Zen breathing and
martial arts breathing are similar, and they can be
compared to mooing of a cow or the roaring of a
tiger.
The State of Mind
As with breathing, the mindset is essential in the
practice of Zen meditation. The right state of mind
emerges naturally from a deep concentration on
the posture and breathing. During zazen, it is
normal to have images, thoughts and emotions
coming up to the surface, appearing from the
unconscious mind. Do not pursue them or fight
escape from them. The more you try to get rid of
them, the more attention you give them, and the
stronger they become. Try not to attach to them.
Just let them go without judgement, like clouds in
the sky.
So, as soon as you become aware that you are
interacting or grasping on thoughts, immediately
bring back your concentration to your posture and
breathing; your mind will settle down naturally.
With experience, you will have less and less
thoughts during Zazen, and your mind will come
to rest more easily and more quickly.
As Zen master, Taisen Deshimaru said: "By simply
sitting, without looking for any goal or any
personal benefit, if your posture, your breathing
and your state of mind are in harmony, you will
understand the true Zen; you will understand the
Buddha's nature.
Beginning Zazen
Now it's time to start Zazen. To avoid distraction, it
is recommended that you practice facing a wall,
as you would do in a training hall (dojo) or a
monastery. Place your zafu on your zabuton so
that, once sitting, your body is about one meter
away from the wall. If you are using a kneeling
bench or a chair, also try to position yourself a
meter away from the wall.
Once you have taken the position that is the most
comfortable for you, take a few deep breath. Close
your heads into a fist with your thumbs inside your
fingers and the back of your hands on your knees,
with the fingers up. Now, slowly balance your body
from left to right three or four times.