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to practice practice zen zen buddhism buddhism in in daily daily life life Zen Zen is is not not a a religion religion but but a a philosophy philosophy It It is is the the most most well well known known branch branch of of Buddhism Buddhism in in the the world world but but it it is is sometimes sometimes considered considered a a philosophy philosophy on on its its own own It It is is a a way way of of life life But But to to even even begin begin to to grasp grasp the the true true gist gist of of what what Zen Zen really really is is we we need need to to first first understand understand Buddhism Buddhism All All entities entities have have an an origin origin Bodhidharma Bodhidharma is is revered revered as as the the founder founder of of Zen Zen Buddhism Buddhism when when he he migrated migrated to to China China from from India India However However establishing establishing the the practice practice would would not not have have been been possible possible without without the the influence influence of of Buddhism Buddhism in in the the first first place place Zen Zen goes goes back back hundreds hundreds of of years years ago ago to to the the spiritual spiritual awakening awakening of of a a savant savant in in India India The The founding founding father father of of Buddhism Buddhism is is Gautama Gautama Buddha Buddha or or simply simply the the Buddha Buddha For For over over years years the the Buddha Buddha has has gained gained notoriety notoriety and and reverence reverence worldwide worldwide as as the the sage sage on on whose whose teachings teachings Buddhism Buddhism was was founded founded Like Like with with most most historical historical figures figures who who walked walked the the earth earth thousands thousands of of years years ago ago the the Buddha Buddha s s precise precise biography biography leaves leaves room room for for error error We We know know his his life life must must have have followed followed a a specific specific timeline timeline that that begins begins with with his his birth birth ends ends with with his his death death and and includes includes his his renunciation renunciation and and enlightenment enlightenment There There are are many many variations variations but but the the following following biography biography remains remains fairly fairly consistent consistent throughout throughout history history According According to to Buddhist Buddhist tradition tradition the the Buddha Buddha lived lived and and taught taught in in eastern eastern India India between between the the th th and and th th centuries centuries BCE BCE He He was was born born in in either either c c BCE BCE or or c c BCE BCE in in the the Sakya Sakya Republic Republic He He died died as as an an enlightened enlightened man man at at the the ripe ripe old old age age of of in in Kushinagar Kushinagar of of the the Malla Malla Republic Republic of of India India The The word word buddha buddha literally literally means means the the awakened awakened one one or or the the enlightened enlightened one one The The Buddha Buddha is is recognized recognized by by disciples disciples as as the the enlightened enlightened one one who who shared shared his his insights insights in in order order to to help help people people end end their their cyclic cyclic suffering suffering and and attain attain enlightenment enlightenment According According to to the the Buddha Buddha this this was was achieved achieved by by eliminating eliminating ignorance ignorance and and craving craving Buddhism Buddhism flourished flourished in in India India eventually eventually spreading spreading to to outlying outlying lands lands Presently Presently there there are are over over million million Buddhists Buddhists worldwide worldwide making making Buddhism Buddhism the the fourth fourth largest largest religion religion in in the the world world How How To To Practice Practice Zen Zen Buddhism Buddhism In In Daily Daily Life Life Buddhism Buddhism is is a a nontheistic nontheistic religion religion This This means means it it is is not not based based on on the the belief belief in in the the existence existence of of one one God God who who is is viewed viewed as as the the creative creative source source of of the the human human race race and and the the entire entire world world Buddhism Buddhism encompasses encompasses a a wide wide variety variety of of beliefs beliefs and and practices practices The The Buddhist Buddhist creed creed states states that that suffering suffering is is inherent inherent in in life life and and that that one one can can be be liberated liberated from from this this suffering suffering by by mental mental and and moral moral self self purification purification The The Four Four Noble Noble Truths Truths are are the the central central belief belief in in Buddhism Buddhism and and makes makes up up the the foundation foundation of of the the religion religion After After the the Buddha Buddha s s enlightenment enlightenment his his first first sermon sermon consisted consisted of of the the Four Four Noble Noble Truths Truths The The first first truth truth is is the the truth truth of of suffering suffering The The second second is is the the truth truth of of the the cause cause of of suffering suffering The The third third is is the the truth truth of of the the end end of of suffering suffering And And finally finally the the fourth fourth is is the the truth truth of of the the path path that that frees frees us us from from suffering suffering These These four four truths truths form form the the basis basis of of Buddhism Buddhism They They are are one one of of the the aspects aspects that that sets sets Buddhism Buddhism apart apart from from other other religions religions The The ultimate ultimate goal goal of of Buddhism Buddhism is is the the attainment attainment of of the the sublime sublime state state of of nirvana nirvana through through the the diligent diligent practice practice of of the the Noble Noble Eightfold Eightfold Path Path Buddhists Buddhists consider consider nirvana nirvana the the final final blessed blessed state state of of utmost utmost bliss bliss which which transcends transcends suffering suffering karma karma and and samsara samsara It It is is marked marked by by the the absence absence of of desire desire and and suffering suffering Nirvana Nirvana is is sought sought in in Buddhism Buddhism through through the the extinction extinction of of desire desire and and individual individual consciousness consciousness Buddhism Buddhism has has two two recognized recognized branches branches Theravada Theravada or or The The School School of of the the Elders Elders and and Mahayana Mahayana or or The The Great Great Vehicle Vehicle The The latter latter brings brings us us to to the the topic topic of of this this article article Zen Zen is is a a school school of of Mahayana Mahayana Buddhism Buddhism This This branch branch of of Buddhism Buddhism developed developed in in China China during during the the Tang Tang Dynasty Dynasty Zen Zen is is derived derived from from the the Chinese Chinese word word chan chan Chan Chan in in turn turn is is derived derived from from the the Sanskrit Sanskrit word word dhyana dhyana meaning meaning meditative meditative state state Zen Zen started started in in China China in in the the th th century century introduced introduced by by Bodhidharma Bodhidharma an an Indian Indian Buddhist Buddhist monk monk The The development development of of Zen Zen Buddhism Buddhism in in China China was was influenced influenced by by Taoism Taoism and and its its concepts concepts From From China China Zen Zen arrived arrived in in Japan Japan around around the the th th century century although although it it did did not not become become prevalent prevalent until until the the th th century century Zen Zen Buddhism Buddhism had had a a significant significant influence influence on on Japanese Japanese culture culture To To practice practice Zen Zen is is to to practice practice a a powerful powerful form form of of spiritual spiritual exploration exploration Zen Zen practice practice enables enables oneto oneto maintain maintain a a healthy healthy balance balance of of needs needs and and obligations obligations and and also also helps helps one one understand understand his his role role in in the the universe universe Its Its most most distinctive distinctive characteristic characteristic that that sets sets Zen Zen apart apart from from other other schools schools of of Buddhism Buddhism is is its its emphasis emphasis on on the the present present moment moment and and reality reality as as it it is is Zen Zen teaches teaches us us that that we we do do not not need need to to observe observe sacred sacred texts texts or or worship worship gods gods or or perform perform religious religious rites rites to to achieve achieve enlightenment enlightenment Instead Instead Zen Zen teaches teaches us us to to favor favor meditation meditation which which ultimately ultimately leads leads to to a a sudden sudden breakthrough breakthrough of of insight insight and and mindfulness mindfulness of of reality reality Zen Zen teachings teachings state state that that we we must must live live in in the the moment moment and and experience experience the the world world as as it it is is As As stated stated by by Bodhidharma Bodhidharma the the founder founder of of Zen Zen Buddhism Buddhism this this was was precisely precisely what what the the Buddha Buddha did did to to attain attain enlightenment enlightenment According According to to Buddhist Buddhist tradition tradition when when the the Buddha Buddha attained attained enlightenment enlightenment he he said said Isn Isn t t it it remarkable remarkable All All beings beings are are already already enlightened enlightened Zen Zen teachings teachings maintain maintain that that all all sentient sentient beings beings have have the the power power to to attain attain enlightenment enlightenment seeing seeing as as we we have have a a deep deep rooted rooted Buddha Buddha nature nature inherent inherent in in all all of of us us We We the the people people of of the the world world are are already already enlightened enlightened This This natural natural enlightenment enlightenment within within us us is is justobscured justobscured behind behind a a thick thick veil veil of of ignorance ignorance Through Through Zen Zen practice practice this this ignorance ignorance may may be be overcome overcome resulting resulting in in enlightenment enlightenment Zen Zen Buddhism Buddhism usually usually requires requires training training and and guidance guidance from from a a Zen Zen master master However However more more and and more more disciples disciples are are practicing practicing Zen Zen independently independently particularly particularly in in North North America America Zen Zen is is popular popular among among Japanese Japanese samurais samurais as as a a form form of of discipline discipline and and self self control control Artists Artists call call to to Zen Zen s s aid aid in in calligraphy calligraphy and and painting painting In In the the Western Western world world Zen Zen has has been been incorporated incorporated into into many many daily daily ventures ventures and and enterprises enterprises such such as as landscaping landscaping and and even even sports sports Anyone Anyone can can benefit benefit from from Zen Zen if if they they only only take take the the time time to to live live it it Enlightenment Enlightenment through through Zazen Zazen During During meditation meditation when when the the true true nature nature of of reality reality is is revealed revealed enlightenment enlightenment occurs occurs Achieving Achieving enlightenment enlightenment consists consists of of not not only only meditation meditation but but having having absolute absolute insight insight into into the the Four Four Noble Noble Truths Truths and and having having perfected perfected the the practice practice of of the the Eightfold Eightfold Path Path One One that that has has perfected perfected this this insight insight sees sees an an end end to to his his suffering suffering and and is is unshackled unshackled from from the the cycle cycle of of samsara samsara For For the the remainder remainder of of his his life life he he lives lives in in a a conditional conditional nirvana nirvana Upon Upon death death he he experiences experiences complete complete nirvana nirvana Zazen Zazen is is one one of of the the meditation meditation practices practices by by which which one one can can achieve achieve enlightenment enlightenment This This meditative meditative discipline discipline is is the the primary primary religious religious practice practice in in Zen Zen Buddhism Buddhism Generally Generally zazen zazen is is a a means means of of insight insight into into the the true true nature nature of of existence existence It It is is a a study study of of the the self self The The aim aim of of zazen zazen is is simply simply just just sitting sitting in in a a lotus lotus position position and and letting letting ideas ideas thoughts thoughts and and words words pass pass without without judgment judgment or or involvement involvement When When practicing practicing zazen zazen at at a a Zen Zen temple temple a a group group of of practitioners practitioners usually usually meditate meditate together together in in a a hall hall Everyone Everyone sits sits on on cushions cushions placed placed atop atop a a special special mat mat called called a a zabuton zabuton Before Before seating seating however however one one must must perform perform a a bow bow called called gasshoto gasshoto their their seat seat followed followed by by a a second second bow bow to to his his meditation meditation mates mates This This bow bow is is performed performed again again upon upon rising rising at at the the termination termination of of zazen zazen The The commencement commencement of of a a zazen zazen session session is is announced announced by by ringing ringing a a bell bell or or gong gong thrice thrice Similarly Similarly a a gong gong is is sounded sounded at at the the cessation cessation of of a a zazen zazen period period For For beginners beginners the the following following is is a a general general outline outline of of the the zazen zazen meditation meditation method method The The first first step step is is to to find find a a place place that that is is conducive conducive to to meditation meditation The The place place of of your your choosing choosing should should be be quiet quiet clean clean and and free free of of distraction distraction You You might might find find this this at at a a quiet quiet park park under under a a tree tree in in your your backyard backyard or or next next to to a a small small pond pond Next Next procure procure a a small small pillow pillow and and a a mat mat on on which which you you will will set set the the pillow pillow The The next next step step is is getting getting into into the the proper proper position position for for meditation meditation The The way way in in which which you you sit sit is is a a crucial crucial part part of of the the overall overall zazen zazen experience experience There There are are various various sitting sitting positions positions when when practicing practicing zazen zazen The The first first is is the the Burmese Burmese Position Position That That is is the the legs legs are are crossed crossed and and both both knees knees are are resting resting flat flat on on the the floor floor with with one one ankle ankle in in front front of of the the other other Another Another is is the the Half Half Lotus Lotus Position Position achieved achieved by by placing placing the the left left foot foot on on the the right right thigh thigh and and tucking tucking the the right right leg leg under under the the left left thigh thigh Then Then there there is is the the Full Full Lotus Lotus Position Position which which is is the the most most used used in in Zen Zen meditation meditation practices practices as as it it is is the the most most stable stable To To sit sit in in the the Full Full Lotus Lotus Position Position place place each each foot foot on on the the opposite opposite thigh thigh right right foot foot on on left left thigh thigh and and left left foot foot on on right right thigh thigh This This position position is is solid solid and and perfectly perfectly symmetrical symmetrical Other Other sitting sitting styles styles do do not not actually actually involve involve sitting sitting at at all all but but are are still still suitable suitable for for zazen zazen meditation meditation First First is is the the Kneeling Kneeling Position Position which which is is accomplished accomplished by by kneeling kneeling with with the the hips hips resting resting on on the the ankles ankles The The Chair Chair Position Position is is another another approach approach It It is is simply simply the the act act of of sitting sitting on on a a chair chair When When opting opting for for this this position position it it is is important important to to keep keep the the back back straight straight and and the the feet feet flat flat on on the the floor floor during during meditation meditation The The last last position position is is specifically specifically geared geared toward toward those those who who find find it it difficult difficult to to sit sit for for long long periods periods of of time time It It entails entails standing standing straight straight with with the the feet feet shoulder shoulder width width apart apart and and the the heels heels closer closer in in distance distance than than the the big big toes toes Both Both hands hands should should rest rest on on the the stomach stomach with with the the right right hand hand atop atop the the left left hand hand The The third third step step is is to to fold fold your your hands hands in in the the cosmic cosmic mudra mudra Namely Namely your your dominant dominant hand hand should should be be placed placed palm palm up up with with the the other other hand hand in in it it also also palm palm up up If If the the cosmic cosmic mudra mudra is is done done correctly correctly the the knuckles knuckles of of both both hands hands will will be be overlapping overlapping the the thumbs thumbs will will be be touching touching slightly slightly and and the the hands hands will will form form the the shape shape of of an an oval oval Do Do not not lace lace your your fingers fingers together together The The hands hands should should rest rest on on the the upturned upturned soles soles of of your your feet feet if if you you are are sitting sitting in in the the Full Full Lotus Lotus Position Position The The purpose purpose of of the the cosmic cosmic mudra mudra is is to to turn turn your your attention attention inward inward Next Next relax relax your your body body and and clear clear your your mind mind There There should should be be no no tension tension whatsoever whatsoever in in your your body body and and your your muscles muscles should should be be soft soft Keeping Keeping the the back back straight straight is is critical critical as as it it allows allows your your diaphragm diaphragm to to move move without without restrictions restrictions and and facilitate facilitate the the deepening deepening of of your your breath breath during during zazen zazen It It is is not not a a good good idea idea to to wear wear clothing clothing that that inhibits inhibits circulation circulation Begin Begin breathing breathing counting counting each each inhalation inhalation and and exhalation exhalation until until you you get get to to ten ten By By the the time time you you reach reach ten ten you you would would have have inhaled inhaled five five times times and and exhaled exhaled five five times times Your Your tongue tongue should should be be relaxed relaxed and and placed placed lightly lightly against against the the upper upper palate palate of of your your mouth mouth It It is is advised advised to to keep keep your your eyes eyes closed closed or or at at least least half half closed closed during during zazen zazen meditation meditation as as blinking blinking is is seen seen to to disrupt disrupt zazen zazen Your Your mouth mouth should should be be closed closed however however and and you you should should breathe breathe through through your your nose nose Breathe Breathe naturally naturally Do Do not not attempt attempt to to manipulate manipulate your your breathing breathing Continue Continue this this breathing breathing technique technique for for at at least least fifteen fifteen minutes minutes If If a a thought thought intrudes intrudes acknowledge acknowledge it it and and let let it it go go and and begin begin counting counting to to ten ten again again Eventually Eventually you you will will be be able able to to reach reach ten ten repeatedly repeatedly without without any any intrusive intrusive thoughts thoughts When When this this is is achieved achieved begin begin counting counting an an inhalation inhalation and and exhalation exhalation as as one one instead instead of of counting counting them them separately separately In In due due course course you you will will be be able able to to concentrate concentrate on on breathing breathing without without having having to to count count During During zazen zazen meditation meditation your your undivided undivided attention attention and and energy energy should should be be focused focused on on both both the the breath breath and and the the Hara Hara The The Hara Hara is is the the point point roughly roughly two two inches inches below below the the navel navel It It is is the the center center from from which which one one enters enters and and exits exits life life The The Hara Hara is is the the point point in in the the body body where where the the body body and and soul soul are are in in contact contact with with one one another another It It is is both both the the spiritual spiritual and and physical physical center center of of the the body body The The more more you you practice practice zazen zazen the the more more you you become become acquainted acquainted with with the the Hara Hara and and the the easier easier it it will will be be to to direct direct your your energy energy to to it it When When fifteen fifteen minutes minutes are are up up stretch stretch and and warm warm your your legs legs and and arms arms in in order order to to increase increase your your blood blood pressure pressure to to its its normal normal rate rate Zazen Zazen should should be be practiced practiced on on a a daily daily basis basis On On the the first first week week meditate meditate for for fifteen fifteen minutes minutes only only Keep Keep adding adding five five minutes minutes to to your your meditation meditation time time every every week week until until it it reaches reaches an an hour hour if if possible possible The The more more you you become become experienced experienced in in zazen zazen the the more more relaxing relaxing your your meditation meditation sessions sessions will will become become Your Your awareness awareness will will sharpen sharpen and and you you will will begin begin to to notice notice things things you you have have never never noticed noticed before before During During the the session session you you will will experience experience a a sweet sweet stillness stillness a a wonderful wonderful tranquility tranquility That That stillness stillness gives gives rise rise to to your your whole whole life life Exploring Exploring that that stillness stillness may may lead lead to to an an unearthing unearthing of of an an awareness awareness hidden hidden deep deep within within you you Those Those experienced experienced in in deep deep zazen zazen meditation meditation breathe breathe at at a a rate rate of of two two or or three three breaths breaths per per minute minute These These are are the the people people who who are are truly truly relaxed relaxed These These are are the the people people that that can can experience experience that that wonderful wonderful stillness stillness we we seek seek in in zazen zazen In In deep deep zazen zazen heart heart rate rate respiration respiration metabolism metabolism and and circulation circulation decrease decrease to to a a point point not not reachable reachable even even in in deep deep sleep sleep When When we we let let go go of of our our thoughts thoughts and and opinions opinions the the mind mind is is free free When When the the mind mind is is free free we we can can discover discover the the reality reality lurking lurking there there the the true true nature nature of of who who we we are are SEE SEE ALSO ALSO How How To To Become Become a a Minimalist Minimalist To To Improve Improve Your Your Life Life The The Ultimate Ultimate Guide Guide How How to to practice practice zen zen meditation meditation Zen Zen practice practice is is all all about about observing observing the the breath breath and and the the mind mind Regulating Regulating the the mind mind involves involves a a rigorous rigorous technique technique of of directing directing the the attention attention toward toward counting counting the the breath breath and and toward toward the the Hara Hara This This is is the the first first thing thing one one must must know know when when practicing practicing Zen Zen meditation meditation One One can can practice practice alone alone or or with with a a group group Monks Monks routinely routinely meditate meditate as as a a group group in in temples temples These These monks monks typically typically meditate meditate for for several several hours hours every every day day There There are are periods periods when when they they are are required required to to meditate meditate around around the the clock clock stopping stopping only only to to eat eat and and fulfill fulfill their their duties duties in in the the monastery monastery Even Even during during rest rest the the monks monks maintain maintain the the same same mindfulness mindfulness they they possess possess during during meditation meditation Sleep Sleep is is cut cut short short during during this this intensive intensive practice practice period period One One unique unique aspect aspect of of these these intensive intensive group group meditations meditations is is the the use use of of a a wooden wooden plank plank called called a a kyosakuwhich kyosakuwhich is is used used to to keep keep the the meditators meditators awake awake and and focused focused Another Another form form of of meditation meditation in in Zen Zen Buddhism Buddhism is is kinhin kinhin While While zazen zazen is is a a sitting sitting meditation meditation kinhin kinhin is is a a walking walking meditation meditation It It is is practiced practiced by by monks monks during during the the intensive intensive meditation meditation periods periods but but is is not not limited limited to to just just monks monks Any Any meditator meditator practicing practicing Zen Zen may may use use kinhin kinhin meditation meditation as as a a form form of of respite respite between between long long periods periods of of sitting sitting It It is is intended intended to to relieve relieve stress stress and and tension tension in in the the legs legs as as the the limbs limbs often often go go numb numb during during sitting sitting meditation meditation In In kinhin kinhin meditation meditation practitioners practitioners walk walk clockwise clockwise around around the the room room While While doing doing this this one one hand hand is is closed closed in in a a fist fist while while the the other other hand hand clutches clutches the the fist fist During During kinhin kinhin one one breath breath is is taken taken followed followed by by one one step step forward forward The The walking walking pace pace during during kinhin kinhin may may be be slow slow or or fast fast to to the the point point of of jogging jogging Kinhin Kinhin symbolizes symbolizes the the Buddha Buddha s s circumambulation circumambulation of of the the bodhi bodhi tree tree following following his his enlightenment enlightenment Similarly Similarly it it represents represents your your own own wandering wandering about about in in the the world world of of enlightenment enlightenment Like Like zazen zazen kinhin kinhin has has its its benefits benefits It It provides provides physical physical relief relief to to a a practitioner practitioner without without disrupting disrupting the the stillness stillness of of zazen zazen It It also also brings brings the the stillness stillness of of zazen zazen into into the the actions actions of of our our daily daily lives lives Kinhin Kinhin is is nothing nothing if if not not the the extension extension of of the the stillness stillness of of zazen zazen Kinhin Kinhin and and zazen zazen are are not not separate separate from from one one another another Sometimes Sometimes a a liturgy liturgy accompanies accompanies Zen Zen practice practice This This is is especially especially true true in in Zen Zen monasteries monasteries where where practitioners practitioners are are required required to to practice practice a a daily daily liturgy liturgy service service The The service service is is centered centered on on major major sutras sutras which which the the practitioners practitioners chant chant One One such such sutra sutra is is the the Heart Heart Sutra Sutra which which is is the the most most popular popular sutra sutra in in Zen Zen Buddhism Buddhism The The text text is is relatively relatively short short composed composed of of only only sixteen sixteen lines lines when when translated translated from from Chinese Chinese to to English English and and repeated repeated during during a a liturgy liturgy The The Heart Heart Sutra Sutra is is one one of of the the forty forty sutras sutras belonging belonging to to the the Perfection Perfection of of Wisdom Wisdom Sutra Sutra Collection Collection It It is is one one thing thing to to believe believe in in the the contents contents of of the the Heart Heart Sutra Sutra but but to to appreciate appreciate that that the the sutra sutra cannot cannot be be comprehended comprehended by by human human intellect intellect means means much much more more One One of of the the verses verses of of the the Heart Heart Sutra Sutra in in its its most most accurate accurate English English translation translation is is as as follows follows O O Sariputra Sariputra form form is is no no other other than than emptiness emptiness and and emptiness emptiness is is no no other other than than form form Form Form is is exactly exactly emptiness emptiness emptiness emptiness exactly exactly form form The The same same is is true true for for feelings feelings conceptions conceptions impulses impulses and and consciousness consciousness Emptiness Emptiness is is the the basis basis of of Zen Zen All All things things in in existence existence are are based based on on an an active active emptiness emptiness Many Many other other sutras sutras are are chanted chanted during during a a liturgy liturgy including including chapter chapter of of the the Lotus Lotus Sutra Sutra and and the the Song Song of of the the Jewel Jewel Mirror Mirror Awareness Awareness During During service service in in a a monastery monastery offerings offerings are are made made to to the the images images of of the the Buddha Buddha on on an an altar altar called called the the Butsudan Butsudan In In Zen Zen Buddhism Buddhism reciting reciting liturgies liturgies is is a a means means by by which which a a practitioner practitioner can can connect connect with with past past Bodhisattvas Bodhisattvas or or people people who who have have attained attained Buddhahood Buddhahood Liturgies Liturgies are are not not limited limited to to Zen Zen practice practice they they are are also also used used in in funerals funerals and and memorials memorials Essential Essential Zen Zen Teachings Teachings The The most most important important thing thing Zen Zen Buddhism Buddhism teaches teaches us us is is that that we we are are already already originally originally enlightened enlightened This This must must never never be be forgotten forgotten Buddhists Buddhists seek seek out out their their hidden hidden enlightenment enlightenment deep deep within within A A central central concept concept in in Zen Zen Buddhism Buddhism is is suchness suchness or or Tathata Tathata In In essence essence suchness suchness is is defined defined as as reality reality as as it it is is Ideally Ideally one one is is supposed supposed to to live live in in this this world world during during Zen Zen meditation meditation live live in in and and live live with with suchness suchness to to the the point point where where one one becomes becomes Suchness Suchness If If you you were were ill ill the the correct correct attitude attitude of of Suchness Suchness would would be be to to say say Such Such is is the the way way of of the the body body If If you you have have an an unyielding unyielding stomachache stomachache simply simply accept accept it it because because such such is is the the nature nature of of things things If If you you accept accept the the stomachache stomachache it it will will magically magically dissipate dissipate This This simple simple action action yields yields an an energy energy within within which which acts acts as as a a healing healing force force when when released released Accept Accept things things as as they they are are without without complaint complaint or or conflict conflict and and things things will will change change for for the the better better This This is is the the essence essence of of Suchness Suchness things things as as they they are are The The Zen Zen Buddhist Buddhist implements implements Suchness Suchness in in his his daily daily life life He He dines dines and and sleeps sleeps and and breathes breathes in in Suchness Suchness He He loves loves in in Suchness Suchness and and cries cries in in Suchness Suchness Sadness Sadness and and even even death death could could potentially potentially be be beautiful beautiful if if one one had had the the capability capability of of accepting accepting them them Suchness Suchness is is total total acceptance acceptance of of any any given given situation situation The The most most essential essential Zen Zen teachings teachings could could be be narrowed narrowed down down to to the the emphasis emphasis of of Suchness Suchness and and inherent inherent Buddha Buddha nature nature the the importance importance of of zazen zazen and and the the Bodhisattva Bodhisattva ideal ideal which which emphasizes emphasizes compassion compassion toward toward all all beings beings Zen Zen has has been been around around for for over over one one thousand thousand years years during during which which many many teachings teachings and and schools schools of of Zen Zen were were formed formed The The three three sects sects of of Zen Zen are are Rinzai Rinzai Soto Soto and and SanboKyodan SanboKyodan Rinzai Rinzai is is the the Japanese Japanese lineof lineof the the Chinese Chinese Linjschool Linjschool which which was was founded founded during during the the Tang Tang Dynasty Dynasty Rinzai Rinzai tradition tradition underscores underscores insight insight into into one one s s true true nature nature or or kensho kensho Kensho Kensho is is an an initial initial awakening awakening not not quite quite Buddhahood Buddhahood Following Following kensho kensho one one must must further further train train the the self self to to deepen deepen this this initial initial insight insight and and express express it it in in his his daily daily life life in in order order to to attain attain full full Buddhahood Buddhahood Zazen Zazen is is essential essential in in attaining attaining this this insight insight and and ripening ripening it it Soto Soto is is the the Japanese Japanese line line of of the the Chinese Chinese Caodongschool Caodongschool which which was was also also founded founded during during the the Tang Tang Dynasty Dynasty Soto Soto lays lays emphasis emphasis on on shikantazawhich shikantazawhich is is the the Japanese Japanese term term for for zazen zazen or or nothing nothing but but precisely precisely sitting sitting The The founder founder of of Soto Soto in in Japan Japan Dogen Dogen stressed stressed that that practice practice and and enlightenment enlightenment cannot cannot be be separated separated According According to to Dogen Dogen one one is is already already expressing expressing Buddhahood Buddhahood by by practicing practicing zazen zazen or or shikantaza shikantaza To To him him meditation meditation is is the the spirit spirit of of Buddhism Buddhism and and Zen Zen Buddhism Buddhism alike alike The The third third school school of of Zen Zen is is SanboKyodan SanboKyodan which which is is a a combination combination of of Rinzai Rinzai and and Soto Soto teachings teachings Essentially Essentially it it is is a a Japanese Japanese organization organization that that consists consists of of amateur amateur lay lay practitioners practitioners SanboKyodan SanboKyodan encourages encourages both both kensho kensho and and zazen zazen One One of of the the founding founding fathers fathers of of this this school school states states that that Zen Zen is is geared geared toward toward three three goals goals joriki joriki or or development development of of concentration concentration kensho kensho godo godo or or awakening awakening and and mujodo mujodo no no taigen taigen or or the the understanding understanding and and utilization utilization of of Zen Zen in in daily daily life life While While alive alive the the Buddha Buddha himself himself offered offered three three great great teachings teachings The The first first is is the the fact fact that that nothing nothing is is lost lost in in the the vastness vastness of of the the universe universe Matter Matter and and energy energy are are recycled recycled as as are are leaves leaves and and seeds seeds All All sentient sentient beings beings are are one one in in the the same same Plants Plants humans humans and and animals animals are are interconnected interconnected we we are are made made up up of of them them and and we we depend depend on on them them If If we we destroy destroy a a plant plant or or an an animal animal we we are are destroying destroying ourselves ourselves The The second second philosophy philosophy is is that that everything everything continuously continuously changes changes Life Life flows flows on on and and on on as as an an ever ever changing changing entity entity At At times times the the flow flow is is fast fast and and other other times times it it is is slow slow Unexpected Unexpected surprises surprises lurk lurk in in every every corner corner but but we we must must embrace embrace change change Lastly Lastly the the Buddha Buddha explained explained that that continuous continuous change change is is due due to to the the Law Law of of cause cause and and effect effect This This is is called called karma karma We We reap reap what what we we sow sow Good Good deeds deeds are are rewarded rewarded with with good good things things in in our our future future Likewise Likewise bad bad deeds deeds are are penalized penalized with with bad bad things things We We create create karma karma on on a a day day to to day day basis basis by by our our thoughts thoughts actions actions and and words words The The Buddha Buddha once once said said The The kind kind of of seed seed sown sown will will produce produce that that kind kind of of fruit fruit If If you you carefully carefully plant plant a a good good seed seed you you will will joyfully joyfully gather gather good good fruit fruit Dharma Dharma is is the the term term for for the the teachings teachings of of Buddha Buddha or or the the natural natural law law It It not not only only refers refers to to the the word word of of the the Buddha Buddha but but to to the the practice practice of of his his teaching teaching as as well well as as the the attainment attainment of of enlightenment enlightenment Practicing Practicing Dharma Dharma is is the the method method by by which which ignorance ignorance is is eliminated eliminated and and quality quality of of life life is is improved improved The The teaching teaching of of all all the the Buddhas Buddhas can can be be summarized summarized into into three three key key points points one one must must not not do do any any evil evil including including seeing seeing speaking speaking and and hearing hearing evil evil one one must must foster foster good good and and one one must must purify purify one one s s heart heart SEE SEE ALSO ALSO How How To To Deal Deal With With Anger Anger To To Tame Tame Your Your Temper Temper Anger Anger Management Management Tips Tips The The Bodhisattva Bodhisattva Precepts Precepts Zen Zen practitioners practitioners whether whether expert expert or or student student are are not not true true disciples disciples of of Zen Zen Buddhism Buddhism if if they they do do not not abide abide by by the the Bodhisattva Bodhisattva Precepts Precepts The The principles principles are are an an essential essential part part of of Zen Zen practice practice To To disregard disregard them them is is to to disregard disregard Zen Zen The The Bodhisattva Bodhisattva Precepts Precepts are are a a set set of of ten ten moral moral canons canons used used in in Mahayana Mahayana Buddhism Buddhism to to help help a a practitioner practitioner progress progress along along the the path path to to becoming becoming an an enlightened enlightened being being I I take take up up the the way way of of not not killing killing A A Zen Zen disciple disciple is is a a Buddha Buddha disciple disciple A A true true disciple disciple of of Buddha Buddha shall shall not not by by any any means means kill kill or or encourage encourage any any other other person person to to kill kill He He should should not not applaud applaud killing killing or or applaud applaud witnessing witnessing a a killing killing He He must must respect respect life life and and not not kill kill an an animal animal or or any any sentient sentient creature creature A A Zen Zen practitioner practitioner must must do do everything everything in in his his power power to to protect protect all all beings beings on on Earth Earth and and vow vow to to save save them them I I take take up up the the way way of of not not stealing stealing A A Zen Zen practitioner practitioner shall shall not not steal steal anything anything or or encourage encourage others others to to do do so so A A stolen stolen object object could could be be as as insignificant insignificant as as a a grain grain of of sand sand but but it it will will still still be be a a stolen stolen object object He He must must be be charitable charitable and and respect respect the the belongings belongings of of others others I I take take up up the the way way of of not not speaking speaking falsely falsely A A Zen Zen practitioner practitioner shall shall not not lie lie or or encourage encourage others others to to lie lie A A white white lie lie is is still still a a lie lie He He must must utter utter the the truth truth each each and and every every time time he he opens opens his his mouth mouth to to speak speak He He must must maintain maintain Right Right Speech Speech and and Right Right Views Views and and promote promote these these to to others others I I take take up up the the way way of of not not using using drink drink or or drugs drugs A A Zen Zen practitioner practitioner shall shall never never be be under under the the influence influence of of any any substance substance that that clouds clouds the the mind mind He He must must not not sell sell or or trade trade alcoholic alcoholic beverages beverages or or encourage encourage others others to to do do so so Instead Instead he he must must proceed proceed clearly clearly andaid andaid his his fellowmenin fellowmenin achieving achieving a a clear clear mind mind and and clear clear wisdom wisdom I I take take up up the the way way of of not not discussing discussing faults faults of of others others A A Zen Zen practitioner practitioner shall shall not not publicize publicize or or discuss discuss the the transgressions transgressions of of his his fellow fellow disciples disciples in in the the Buddhist Buddhist assembly assembly nor nor encourage encourage anyone anyone to to do do so so He He must must see see perfection perfection in in all all sentient sentient beings beings not not offenses offenses He He must must not not discuss discuss the the misdeeds misdeeds that that occur occur within within the the assembly assembly If If he he hears hears anyone anyone speak speak ill ill of of the the assembly assembly he he should should guide guide them them to to into into developing developing faith faith in in the the Mahayana Mahayana I I take take up up the the way way of of not not praising praising myself myself while while abusing abusing others others A A Zen Zen practitioner practitioner shall shall not not glorify glorify himself himself and and speak speak ill ill of of others others nor nor should should he he encourage encourage anyone anyone to to do do so so He He must must not not elevate elevate himself himself and and blame blame others others Instead Instead he he must must realize realize that that self self and and other other are are one one He He must must not not suppress suppress another another being being s s good good deeds deeds and and traits traits thus thus subjecting subjecting them them to to slander slander He He must must endure endure humiliation humiliation in in the the place place of of others others and and pass pass the the glory glory to to them them I I take take up up the the way way of of not not being being stingy stingy A A Zen Zen practitioner practitioner shall shall not not be be withholding withholding nor nor encourage encourage anyone anyone to to do do so so If If an an impoverished impoverished person person seeks seeks aid aid from from him him the the disciple disciple must must be be generous generous in in whatever whatever he he gives gives He He must must never never deny deny aid aid or or support support be be it it a a sentence sentence or or a a pebble pebble or or rebuke rebuke anyone anyone who who needs needs his his assistance assistance I I take take up up the the way way of of not not indulging indulging in in anger anger A A Zen Zen practitioner practitioner shall shall not not harbor harbor anger anger or or encourage encourage others others to to do do so so He He must must never never insult insult or or physically physically attack attack another another being being out out of of anger anger He He must must be be compassionate compassionate actualize actualize harmony harmony and and refrain refrain from from getting getting angry angry altogether altogether Violating Violating any any of of these these precepts precepts is is considered considered a a major major offense offense in in the the sutra sutra A A Zen Zen practitioner practitioner should should not not only only meditate meditate but but follow follow the the Bodhisattva Bodhisattva Precepts Precepts as as well well It It is is what what makes makes for for a a true true adherent adherent to to Zen Zen Buddhism Buddhism Thank Thank you you for for reading reading this this article article about about how how to to practice practice zen zen buddhism buddhism in in daily daily life life and and I I really really hope hope that that you you take take action action my my advice advice I I wish wish you you good good luck luck and and I I hope hope its its contents contents have have been been a a good good help help to to you you Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter Pinterest Pinterest Linkedin Linkedin ReddIt ReddIt Perfect Perfect Hours Hours RELATED RELATED ARTICLESMORE ARTICLESMORE FROM FROM AUTHOR AUTHOR how how to to overcome overcome adversity 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