Zen Sitting Meditation (Zazen)

Zazen is the core practice of Zen Buddhism. It is meditation stripped to its essence: just sitting.

How to practice:

1. Sit on a cushion or chair with your back straight but not rigid. Hands rest in your lap in the cosmic mudra: left hand on top of right, thumbs lightly touching.

2. Lower your gaze to the floor about three feet in front of you. Eyes are half-open, soft focus.

3. Breathe naturally. Do not try to control or watch the breath. Simply sit.

4. Thoughts will arise. Do not follow them. Do not push them away. Just let them come and go, like passing cars on a distant road.

5. Sit for 20 to 40 minutes.

Zazen does not seek a state. It does not aim for relaxation or insight. The practice itself is the goal. Just sitting. Just being. Nothing to achieve.