It is distinguished from other traditional forms in that the person practicing Zen meditation does not get into a ‘trance’. That is the person meditating is awake the whole time enabling him to experience the peace and serenity that each breath brings and thus receiving a more fulfilling experience.
Of central importance is the place in which one is going to meditate, so select a comfortable and silent place where there will be minimum disturbance. Regulate the temperature and the light in the location. Maintain a balance and see that the conditions are not extreme. Place a rug and you are all set to go. A blanket or cushion works just as well. Whether you would place it on the floor or on a pad is up to you.
There are various meditation pads and cushions available in the market. These are also referred to as zabutons and zafus and are target specific merchandise aimed solely for the purpose of meditation. But as a beginner you could start by using other general items like pillows, cushions and blankets.
The first thing that Zen meditation, also referred to as Zazen, demands of a person is the ability to control his mind. This requires training. However this is not a cause for worry because of all the meditation techniques that one is exposed to these days, this is the simplest and easiest. Learning to control one’s mind is not difficult; just look up the subject on the internet and find the correct way of doing it.
The worst thing you could do while mastering the technique to do Zen meditation is trying too hard. People more often than not push themselves too much and forcefully quiet their minds by clearing out their thoughts as fast as possible without giving the time that the thoughts demand.
The person meditating must reflect upon all matter pressing them at the moment and then slowly calm down. While practicing Zen meditation it is required that you let your mind quiet down with certain autonomy and most importantly without resorting to force.
The best way to start is by learning to observe your breathing pattern and understanding the basic structure of your thoughts. This helps you to detach yourself from your thoughts and enables you to compartmentalize your brain such that it becomes easier to clear out your mind and calm down faster. Needless to say, mastering this technique requires time and practice. However this is effective and with time you will realize that you are able to quiet down easily without spending much time or thought on it. Zen meditation is a sure way to reach your core and find complete peace and patience is the key to success.
It is popularly believed that Zen meditation is practiced solely by Buddhist monks and philosophers but in truth common individuals too can use this technique of meditation. It is simple and effective. It gives you concentration and teaches you how to deal with the present. If you keep practicing this form of meditation you will see that you are progressively being able to think only about the moment at hand, all anxieties about the past and the future being relieved. Zen meditation teaches you to connect with attributes of your self that you didn’t even know existed and finally be at peace with your body, mind and soul.
Here’s an excellent way to start enjoying the benefits of meditation today. The Deep Zen audio program is easy for anyone wanting to learn how to meditate – offering a free demo, and helps advanced meditators achieve deeper levels of meditation too. Try another free demo here: Totally Tranquil
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