Day #2 – 30 Day
Meditation Challenge – How to Practice Buddhist Meditation
Today is day#2 of our Meditation Challenge and also the
Buddha Purnima, which is the day that commemorates the Birthday/Death Day/Enlightenment Day of Buddha. A few years back I had the amazing privilege
to visit the Dai BoSatsu Zendo (Upstate NY), and participate in a week of ZazenMeditation while teaching daily yoga class.
It was a beautiful experience! We would sit for 6 hours a day in Meditation. This practice of meditation illuminates all the noise within, the memories, unforgiveness, mental clutter, with the purpose of eventually leading to healing, revelation, enlightenment, nirvana. While the Zendo was a magical place, and the outside property with a gorgeous lake and landscape provided the perfect setting to explore meditation, ultimately the practice of meditation is about being in the present moment. This
post is to share some helpful tips to approaching Meditation from the Zazen
Practice.
"Do not dwell on the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate your mind on the present moment" ~ Buddha
The Top 5 Tips to approach your Meditation "Zazen Buddhist"
Style:
1.
SIT -Sit still with a completely upright spine on your
meditation cushion/Zafu, or bench. Keep your hands palms up, right fingers on top of left and tips of the thumbs touch.
2.
EYES - Keep your eyes slightly open in a soft
gaze to stay in present moment rather than drift into the mind.
3.
BREATH - Let your breath be natural and count
the breaths, should your thoughts stray from your breath then return to 1.
4.
SILENCE – Be sure all cell phones are off (not
just vibrate), no music, no distractions, just peaceful silence
5.
SMILE – Have a tiny smile on your face,
meditation should be a practice you enjoy, so turn your frowns upside down, lift
the corners of your lips and begin your practice.
Wishing you all the best on this beautiful journey!
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