Where's the Right Place to Practice Zen Meditation

By Ted Hanulak

When people hear the term "Zen meditation" they envision robes, candles, incense burning, people sitting in pretzel positions, etc. They would be correct. That is the traditional view of Zen meditation. The wonderful thing is, you can also practice Zen meditation while walking the dog, waiting for an appointment at the doctors office, driving your car. In other words, anywhere.

The practice of "shikantanza" which is Japanese for "just sitting" can be use in any situation like "just walking"," just driving" or "just going to the bathroom". Whatever you are doing at that moment, is what you are doing. You concentrate on just that action. Many times people will drive while daydreaming or talking on the phone. This is how accidents occur. If you are focusing on the driving you may be able to prevent the accident. Shikantanza is the active practice of "living in the moment".

Another way of looking at it is "taking your Zen with you". It is important to sit everyday at least 20 minutes. "Sitting" implies sitting in meditation on the floor. Traditional sitting can be viewed as "charging your batteries". After sitting, it is time to unplug, get up and go live your day. Everything you do, walking across the room, picking up a pencil, looking to your left, etc. can be part of your practice.

Through this practice, situations that would normally aggravate most people, like being stuck in traffic, waiting for a bus, anything that would test someones patience, is simply more practice for you! Because of this, you will begin to feel more centered. These types of situations will not bother you as they once did because of the new way of looking at.

Remember Zen meditation practice doesn't end on the meditation pillow. It has to be part of every moment of your life.

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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