Pushing Through a Difficult Period of Zen Meditation

By Ted Hanulak

The following article deals with the "counting of breaths" meditation in Soto Zen. The first thing that you should understand about Zen meditation is that there is no "bad" meditation period. Struggle is good. When thoughts start flowing in and you think you are going to loose your mind, that is when the battle begins! Usually when you are taken in by extraneous thoughts you should simply just go back to your counting. If it seems to be extra difficult, then I would recommend the following:

Clearing the Mind

Take a moment to relax. Close your eyes and try to turn your eyeballs backwards as if you are attempting to look backwards. Do this for about 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, relax your eyes forward again and resume your counting. You may find that you have to do this a couple of time before it works. This may sound strange but it will work.

Kyosaku Stick

If you are sitting with a group or "sangha" that utilizes a monitor, the kyosaku stick is your best friend. Many groups allow you to raise your hand to ask for the kyosaku stick. Others will use it at the monitors discretion. The kyosaku stick is a flat stick that is used to strike the meditator's back and shoulders in the muscular area between the shoulder blades. This will stimulate your body and mind to push forward.

Kinhin - Walking Meditation

Kinhin is traditionally used for in between meditation periods. It helps stretch out the legs and also clear the mind. If your sitting alone and it gets unbearable, rather than quit, get up and walk around your house for a couple of minutes. During this time, try to only think about walking. feel the carpet under your feet. Be aware of every step you take. After a couple of minutes, sit down again and resume your meditation.

These are just a couple of ideas to help get through "difficult" meditation periods.

Ted Hanulak is the head instructor / Sensei of the Japanese martial art of Senso-Ryu Aikijutsu. He teaches Aikijutsu and Zen meditation out of the Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis

http://www.aiki-jutsu.com

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