justonecondition (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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fandomhigh2013-07-29 10:36 pm
justonecondition) wrote in fandomhigh2013-07-29 10:36 pm
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Introduction to Meditation | Tuesday | Period 1
"You've all probably heard of Zen meditation, or zazen," Bruce said as he settled onto a cushion at the front of the room in lotus position with his hands in his lap. "It's a practice of meditation that encourages clear-mindedness, and it's primarily practiced as a function of Buddhism. But, uh, for our purposes, we'll be adopting the technique for today without necessarily subscribing to the spiritual philosophy - that's a different class entirely. Essentially, zazen is described as the study of the self through union of body, breath and mind."
Bruce cleared his throat.
"Zazen actually means 'seated meditation,' so we'll all be sitting, but pillows are optional," he instructed. "The position that I'm in is called lotus, and it can feel a little, uh, painful, actually, if you sit this way for long periods of time, but it's also a very stable position - you physically don't stir as much, and when you're steady, you're free from physical distractions. On the other hand, if you'd rather pass on the knee pain, any seated position with your back straight is also fine, but I'd recommend against ordinary pretzel-style floor-sitting. You can also try kneeling, if you'd prefer, but that's not likely to make your knees feel any better than in lotus.
"Next you're going to cup your hands in your lap, palms up," he continued, "and whether or not your eyes are open is up to you. Then, begin breathing in through your nose, holding it for ten seconds, and then exhaling through your mouth. Try not to think about anything besides how many inhalations and exhalations you've gone through; if any other thoughts come to mind, dismiss them and then start counting over from one. When you can get to ten in a row, try for twenty. You probably won't get much further than that in the fifteen minutes we'll be meditating today."
He doubted anyone would get as far as ten, honestly. Zazen was hard.
"If you have any questions or want to take a walk in the hall before we start, now's the time," Bruce said, adjusting his position somewhat and stretching his hands out in front of him. "Otherwise, let's begin."
Bruce cleared his throat.
"Zazen actually means 'seated meditation,' so we'll all be sitting, but pillows are optional," he instructed. "The position that I'm in is called lotus, and it can feel a little, uh, painful, actually, if you sit this way for long periods of time, but it's also a very stable position - you physically don't stir as much, and when you're steady, you're free from physical distractions. On the other hand, if you'd rather pass on the knee pain, any seated position with your back straight is also fine, but I'd recommend against ordinary pretzel-style floor-sitting. You can also try kneeling, if you'd prefer, but that's not likely to make your knees feel any better than in lotus.
"Next you're going to cup your hands in your lap, palms up," he continued, "and whether or not your eyes are open is up to you. Then, begin breathing in through your nose, holding it for ten seconds, and then exhaling through your mouth. Try not to think about anything besides how many inhalations and exhalations you've gone through; if any other thoughts come to mind, dismiss them and then start counting over from one. When you can get to ten in a row, try for twenty. You probably won't get much further than that in the fifteen minutes we'll be meditating today."
He doubted anyone would get as far as ten, honestly. Zazen was hard.
"If you have any questions or want to take a walk in the hall before we start, now's the time," Bruce said, adjusting his position somewhat and stretching his hands out in front of him. "Otherwise, let's begin."
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