WHAT IS THE TRUE MEANING OF ZEN?
The word Zen is derived from the Chinese word "chán" and the Sanskrit word "dhyana," which both mean "meditation." In Sanskrit, the root meaning is "to see, to observe, to look”.
ZEN IS A WAY OF BEING. IT ALSO IS A STATE OF MIND.
Distracted by our multi-tasking digital-driven lives we rarely take time to stop and just focus on something as simple as breathing. Many of us have the tendency to always seek an end result, working towards an end that justifies the means. However, Zen teaches us that there is no “end” moment to reach, that Zen is not a destination but rather a journey. To find enlightenment is not to seek it, but to simply be in the moment, and that is the true meaning of Zen.
“Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” ~ Zen Proverb
ZEN: A CURE FOR MODERN LIFE?
Renowned Zen teacher and author Philip Kapleau describes Zen as a possible antidote to modern life. In his introduction to Thich Nhat Hanh's book Zen Keys he ponders what it means to live with the spirit of Zen and questions how we might solve many of the problems of modern society:
"One obvious answer is- through Zen. Not necessarily Zen Buddhism but Zen in its broad sense of a one-pointed aware mind; of a disciplined life of simplicity and naturalness as against a contrived and artificial one; of a life compassionately concerned with our own and the world's welfare and not self-centred and aggressive. A life, in short, of harmony with the natural order of things and not in constant conflict with it."
BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO ZEN
There are many simple steps we can take to help us onto the Zen path. Here, we share a few Zen ways of being and adaptations for easy ways to help you live a life of calm, balance and ease.
BREATHING
Ujjayi is a popular yoga breathing technique, in and out through the nose but narrowing the throat to create a hissing sound (best Darth Vader impersonations ready!) The tone should be even and smooth, and people often compare it to the ocean waves.
If this sounds too out there for you, just take a few minutes out and focus just on your breathe. Observe how your lungs expand and contract, breathe mindfully in and out, and let your mind be empty and still.
“Smile, breathe and go slowly.” ~Thích Nhất Hạnh
ZONING OUT AND THIRD EYE MEDITATION
In Dharmic spiritual traditions from India, the third eye refers to the gate that leads to inner realms and higher states and spaces of consciousness. The third eye is a mystical concept of a speculative invisible eye, usually depicted as located on the forehead, which provides perception beyond ordinary sight. Third eye meditation involves closing your eyes and focusing on this point between your forehead.
Again, if this is too hippy for you, just take a moment to close your eyes and zone out. Let go of everything and enjoy the peaceful stillness of not observing. Place your hands over your eyes for added effect, or take a moment to massage your temples, head and face.
“I have three eyes. Two to look, one to see” ~ Bellamor
ZAZEN - SEATED MEDITATION
Zazen, which means “seated meditation”, is the core practice of Zen. Whilst sitting comfortably, focusing on your breathing, eyes open with a soft gaze (not focusing on anything in particular) just think about “being”. Let all ideas, thoughts, feelings, come to you but pass, not getting involved with any thought processes around them. This process helps clear the mind and allows one to remember who one really is, self re-discovery.
"The mind resembles a monkey and the thoughts resemble horses." ~ Zen Proverb
The mind is compared to a monkey that is hyperactive, jumping and swinging between tree limbs without any moment of rest. Whilst our thoughts are powerful horses pulling our minds in many different directions. We must control our thoughts in order to be at peace and for our monkey mind to be Zen.
SAY “OM”
OM is a mantra derived from Hinduism, which is believed to be the sound of the universe. When chanted, “Om” vibrates at a frequency of 432 Hertz, the same vibrational frequency as all things found in nature. It is said to be a way of connecting with oneself, as well as nature and the universe, and is believed to be a powerful way to open up the three uppermost chakras - throat, third eye and crown.
You can chant “Om” whilst carrying out your Zazen, closing your eyes, or just any time you feel like it, but if it’s not your Zen, just find some of your favourite music and listen to it for the Zen moment you want to be in. Happy, sad, fast, slow, when you find it you will know!
“Om meditation makes the mind spacious. It gives the freedom for focus and divergent thinking. Divergent thinking is the center of human creativity.” ~ Amit Ray, Om Chanting and Meditation
MINDFULNESS
We hear this term so much at the moment, but do we really appreciate what being mindful and living with mindfulness is? It means being fully in the moment, living with great awareness and without distractions.
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” ~ Buddha
SIMPLICITY
Thanks to the Marie Kondo Spark Joy movement, many of us are looking to live a cleaner life less full of objects and possessions. Living a simpler life can have a positive effect on our state of mind, “tidy house, tidy mind” as the saying goes. So if you haven’t had a declutter of your house in a while, be Zen whilst you go about it.
“Tidy house, tidy mind” ~ Unknown
COMPASSION AND GRATITUDEThinking about the wellbeing both of ourselves and all other beings is a large part of Zen, as ultimately we are all the universe and we are all interconnected. We should take time to spread love with our friends and family members or perhaps even go one step further and partake in random acts of kindness. Likewise, we should practice gratitude for everything that comes into our lives.
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” — William Arthur Ward
CREATIVITY AND EXPRESSION
Take a moment to be creative and express yourself in a way that you wouldn’t normally, perhaps eventually it will become the norm. Write a poem, song or story, draw, paint or craft. These kinds of activities help with self-discovery and reconnecting with your inner-child, who ultimately is your self.
“All the things that truly matter, beauty, love, creativity, joy and inner peace arise from beyond the mind.” ~ Zen Proverb
