Zen Meditation Plain and Simple

When seated properly, one’s center of gravity should be that point at which all of the forces at work in the body naturally meet. This point, called tanden in Japanese, is about an inch or more below the navel. However, more generally it is said that this center of gravity is located in the hara, the abdominal region. This is is a very important ar

or flashes, not as a constant state.

What must be emphasized, however, is that this aroused mind is only present in glimpses

Masochism, however, is the enjoyment of pain for its own sake, while we are talking about the transmutation of pain, physical or mental, into vital energy.

A car too is very useful, but to say that the only reality is that seen through its windshield would be an unnecessary limitation. This does not mean that we should ignore or deny this reality.

The word “right” does not mean right according to some perfect model or set of rules. Rather, it means without the distortion brought about by the craving to be separate. Right mindfulness and right concentration, for example, establish a steady and clear mind, which is the foundation for an ethical and spiritual life.

Keeping the eyes unfocused prevents them from becoming strained, and also helps avoid the unpleasant visual effects that can be produced if one stares.

It is important to keep the eyes open because by closing them we are indicating that what is important is “inside” and that we can therefore ignore the “outside.” This brings up and reinforces the latent dualism.

In the practice of Zen, however, it is precisely the illusion of this duality that is seen as the primary hindrance, and consequently the positioning of the body is as important as the fixing of the mind or the steadying of the heart.