How to Sit Zazen
Welcome yourself to your life.
Fundamental to starting and continuing the practice of zazen is deep sense of welcoming yourself as you are, to this seat, this life, with kindness, patience, and a commitment born from a genuine desire to grow in wisdom, openness, care, and a true engagement with our lives as they are.
This steady welcoming spirit is a kind of GPS that keeps us on track as we sit zazen, discover its gifts and depths, and go about our lives with others.
To learn about aspects of zazen practice and establish a good physical sitting posture, it is best to meet in person with someone knowledgeable. We offer regularly scheduled zazen instruction on the first Saturday of each month at 8:30 am and an Introduction to Zen class. There is also an opportunity to ask questions of one of our priests on Thursday evening after zazen. See our calendar here.
For an introduction to zazen, watch this seven minute video and then continue reading below the video. Please note you may also sit zazen on a chair, meditation cushion, or bench (lotus position is not required).
To develop a balanced intelligent zazen practice, it is important to find the physical posture that is best for you – a form of folded leg posture on the floor, using a meditation bench on the floor, or sitting in a chair. We attend to our body and discover our breath, just as it is and develop stability and a measure of peace in our minds and hearts – everything included. Walking meditation (kinhin) is another way of engaging in zazen.
Do not be discouraged when your mind is active. You are in good company, human company. Do not judge yourself when you hear, or read, about lofty states of serenity that you have not experienced. What matters is returning to this moment with kindness and strength. There is depth and growth and mystery in that. This can be challenging at times, but is it is a good challenge, a healthy challenge – and one we meet with the companionship of good friends and knowledgeable guides.
You are always welcome to join us for zazen, and bring your questions.
It is good to make a date with yourself to sit down somehow, somewhere, and kindly, steadily, encounter your life. We are practical and we ask: When can you sit? Can you come to the zendo and sit with others? How often? There is something precious and unique about sitting zazen with other humans in person. If that is not possible, what is?
Think about your life, don’t underestimate yourself or turn away from your desire to grow in wisdom and caring in your life – but also don’t burden yourself with thoughtless expectations.