How can one acheive meditation through daily activities!? Is meditation limited to sitting down!?Www@QuestionHome@Com
| Question Home |
Position:Home>Philosophy> Zen Buddhism?Question: Zen Buddhism!? How can one acheive meditation through daily activities!? Is meditation limited to sitting down!?Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Meditation is simply the activity of watching the mind!. This is something we can -- and should -- do throughout our daily activities!. When we watch the mind at play, we see that most of its activity is habitual (repetitive thoughts, intentions, feelings)!. As a habit become clear to us, an odd thing happens -- the energy gets drained out of it!. When that occurs, the habit's ability to control our behavior diminishes!. That's a wonderful thing! (Sadly, the mind has a huge stockpile of other habits!.!.!.!.) For most of us, the ability to watch the mind throughout our everyday life can be quite challenging, despite our best intention!. That's where formal practice comes in!. Formal Zen practice -- sitting on a cushion or chair and watching the mind -- helps strengthen the dan tien ("energy field") -- our "center" -- which is located about 1!.5 inches below the navel!. When our center becomes strong, our whole life becomes more stable!. With this stability, we gain the spacious capacity to watch the mind more carefully throughout all of our activities!. We develop the ability to respond to daily situations with wisdom, compassion, creativity, and curiosity (rather than reactivity and drama)!. So I suggest that, if you don't already have a formal Zen practice, you might consider starting to practice in a steady, formal way!. If you already have a formal practice, simply continue!. Your dedication and sincerity will inevitably bring great joy to all aspects of your life!.Www@QuestionHome@Com One literally meditates all the time, sitting, standing, walking and during any and every activity!. Begin by following ones breath until you can remain focused for one hundred breaths without a thought interrupting the session!. Walking meditation where one follows ones breath and realizes walking as one walks (slowly)!. Standing meditation, following ones breath and standing either indoors or out being aware of ones surroundings and of ones "being there"!. Following ones breath throughout the day and with and during each activity, as well a chanting a mantra for the benefit of all sentient beings, for peace, for the health and well being of all, etc!. Just as one should continuously practice conscious awareness or mindful awareness, one should also continuously practice generosity, compassion, loving kindness and caring for all!. One never stops following the Noble Eightfold Path!. One never stops living in the present moment and, hopefully, is always aware of doing so!. Zen is how one lives each moment and every moment!. Please, find copies of "the Three Pillars of Zen", and "Zen, Dawn in the West", by Roshi Philip Kapleau and "The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching" by Thich Nhat Hahn as these may help!. Better yet, find the nearest Zendo and besides taking part in zazen, speak with the roshi!. May it be well with you!.Www@QuestionHome@Com no sitting down is very very narrow meaning of mediation!.if you serve humanity-- you are meditating---if youe are serving the nation in millatory job etc!.--you are meditating!.if you are heading in creativity work it is not without mediation!.if you are serving your family honestly and sincerly----it is meditation!.music, dancing,singing,can not be w/o meditation!.Www@QuestionHome@Com Meditation can be done at anytime, no matter what is happening or where you are or what you are doing!.Www@QuestionHome@Com No!. We all tend to meditate!. Its just that we call it day dreaming and that can be done in any position!.Www@QuestionHome@Com |