Introduction to Zen Meditation: The Still Point

[rowan1325]

Very informative

[TheAdamewing]

What did Mr. Tamimisa say? I just found this video and read the top comments. Now I must know. My interest is piqued. SOMEBODY TELL ME WHAT HE SAID!

[VLOGSPHERE]

I'm practicing transcendental meditation right now, but in the past have tried this kind of meditation focusing on the breath, sounds like both would be considered a mantra, which is taking the mind off any thoughts you are having and refocusing on the breath or mantra over and over, the only thing is; I have gotten different effects from each, so somehow they are not the same, can anyone explain why that is?

[clippo67]

Who are you? I don't know who you are.

[clippo67]

You cannot be a Zen master. It is a contradiction in terms. All is flux and cannot be mastered.

[evening1]

@clippo67

"are you talkin' to me?"

[clippo67]

The reason zen meditation is useful is that it has no use and nothing can be gained from it! The practice helps us realise that our over elaborated sense of self and our vehement defence of this distorts Reality.

[mujaku]

Zen master Hsu-yun said: "Ch'an [Zen] does not mean sitting (in meditation). The so-called Ch'an hall and the so-called Ch'an sitting are only provided for people (who encounter) insurmountable obstructions (of their own) and who are of shallow wisdom in this period of decadence (of the Dharma)."

[mujaku]

Sorry but neither traditional Buddhism nor Zen Buddhism mention a still point. On the same note, zazen is not fundamental to Zen. If you read the Four Slogans of Zen (not one of which mentions zazen), the last slogan, "Seeing into one's nature, realizing Buddhahood," is what Zen is all about.

[vintnerster]

@mujaku Truly said, but nevertheless zazen is fundamental to Zen. The mechanism whereby you "see into your own nature" is neurological. Zazen cultures the central nervous system so that new integrative connections can establish themselves. The end result is satori or kensho, when the self transcends itself. The process can take as little as five months (but rarely goes so quickly).

[mujaku]

@vintnerster Zazen is fundamental only to one school of Zen, that is, Dogen's Sotoshu. Since the Buddha-nature transcends the neurological skandha system no amount of sitting (Dogen's shikantaza) is going to let us have gnosis of Buddha-nature.

[vintnerster]

@mujaku This is so. There is no way of having gnosis of the Buddha nature. That is the point of the koan "Joshu's Mu." It is possible to realize the Self Nature without zazen, but it is a rarity.

[mujaku]

@vintnerster Joshu's Mu (or Wu) is the hua-t'ou. It is a very clever one. But if all that the adept pays attention to is the subvocal sound of Mu, he deserves a beating. Joshu's Mu goes beyond the five skandhas, subvocalization, figurative thoughts - you name it. Now if you can say Mu like Joshu, welcome to the black dragons. But if you cannot, you will never escape from samsara.

[vintnerster]

@mujaku One does not say Mu. Likewise black dragons are silent.

[ColumbusExoticCars]

Nice relaxing video and a wonderful practice. Why can't all spiritual teachings (religions) by this laid back, open and free?

[graycam]

wow, a lot of focus on posture.

[Greyvyn]

I feel more relaxed just listening to him explain it

[Peekingduck]

One of the best clips on 'zazen' on youtube... free from new age contamination... i.e none of the 'instant-enlightenment-just-ad­d-money' stuff

[Indiadam]

Give those kids a hug. I think they are a bit too serious.

[MilitantSight]

@Indiadam  hahaha

[Indiadam]

Mind is the miracle of meditation. Water if the miracle of unending flow. Did you know meditation is a bad word? It's meaning doesn't match the activity. Which detergent should I buy? Who should I help? What am I really afraid of? Decisions induce being stuck. Realizing this, adapt the mind to water. At every node, flow immediately under and around. It is so anyway. Receive fresh, replacing the by gone. Don't chase . . . vacuum. Use lunar power.

[anthonyww713]

@PrismaMD lol right. Relaxing and focusing on your breathing is satanic LOL. Clearing your mind is not "evil" its something we all do in various ways. Some run others play video games some drink. But you think people who just sit and relax are satanic. I think you are a bit confused more importantly if you have such a negative oppinion why did you choose to watch a video about zen?

[shadowknight132]

@anthonyww713

Man, I remember my cousin said that when you try to get more relax negative entities will try to stop you because you trying to do something positive. That comment from below is nothing what negative entities want you to believe.

[OGTwxtor]

@unityspirit51 I agree

[MrGodkid]

I will learn Zen (before I die).

[imrichyournot]

@MrGodkid very clever

[MrGodkid]

@imrichyournot when you understand how it is clever, cleverness will be more yours to be clever with

[Cwindify]

@MrGodkid

When are you going to die?

[integraleric]

Let's meditate :-)

[DeepMeditationAudio]

Let's meditate :-)

[Beatstranger]

thanks for the video. may you be happy and free of suffering.

[gudiashri]

THANK YOU!

[Algernon3]

Excellent instruction.

[TheBuddhaLight]

I switched my way from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition to the Thien Buddhist tradition. Can anyone tell me, how Nirvana is understood in Zen Buddhism?

[soulagent79]

@TheBuddhaLight In Zen Buddhism you already live in Nirvana, but you still have to realize it. Nirvana and the ordinary world are the same.

[TheBuddhaLight]

@soulagent79 I understand, thank you so much for the reply.

May we be happy, may we realize Nirvana.

[rdpath]

@TheBuddhaLight

The basic concept is same "to be still" & there is only one thing that can be totally still "The self". Mind can never be totally still because when mind becomes still then it ceases to exist & only the "pure thoughtless conciousness" remains, and when this gets manifested some calls it Samadhi, some call it Nirvana some call it Enlightenment. Its all the same.

[SenseiAndyTengu]

a fascinating and useful video. thank you

[Atonfrc]

Very good tips. This is a precious video. Thanks a lot!

[tkooi71]

When your mind is in a still mode, you see both still and non-still objects clearly, both their internal state and external state. When your mind is in a non-still mode, see nothing but the illusion. (-.-)

[Angel3243]

Thanks for posting...I thought I was alone in this quest!

[ritamargherita]

Excellent! I can also recommend very much the book 'The Three Pillars of Zen' by Philip Kapleau, a classic, comprehensive, usable and deep introduction to Zen.

[14Srb88]

Oddly enough,our orthodox monks also have a piece of wood they knock around in monasteries... /watch?v=cIeHB6ZHsjo

[picologupta]

lovely zen video , crux of zen in 10 minutes

[cerebral200]

What about the mind? My mind goes nuts thinking about things..mostly unpleasant..

[ihaveverysmalltits]

@cerebral200 don't worry about it, don't beat yourself up. that's just how the mind works. just 'look' at a thought that arises, do not attach yourself to it, just look at it as if you were looking at smoke or a cloud. The thought cannot sustain itself if you don't feed it - you'll see it vanish. Just don't fight. 'See' these images, words as they arise, enjoy them just as you're enjoying animals at the zoo, or a short movie. And let them go.

[SJamesGray]

This is excellent instruction

[shadowheart52]

I have his book, The Art of Just Sitting. I don't understand a word of it. It's a good thing I don't have to.

[joshualancekemp]

Thank you for this. It is a blessing and a great teaching for me.

Regards and Namaste.

[dharmacom]

We removed Mr Tamimisa after reading some of the other comments he has posted on YouTube. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but hateful and denigrating language is uncalled for.

[douglasmacjames]

@dharmacom tamimisa is a true man, i listened to him. For me denigrating and non denigrating language are same, they are language and both are the problem ! so you can beleive what he is the bad and you the good...you continue ever to play the language game...

[tzarnick1]

@dharmacom what did mr Tamimisa say?

[Ibnfouga]

@MRnakedSURFmonkey im dying from all your misspelled words buddy.

[Tripmania123]

@MRnakedSURFmonkey Ok no prob.

[Tripmania123]

@MRnakedSURFmonkey wow... are you really replying to my comment ? Or is it a mistake ?

Anyway, I wish you a good practice. Don't give up.

[MURDOCMULDOON]

Universe is a university , time and space its professors the lectures you decide which to go to , and what degree you take.

It is however not a closed book.

[aloozer]

i don't understand why zazen is unique to Zen. It is basically satipatthana(mindfulness meditation). As long as any other buddhist is doing mindfulness meditation, that is it.

[Amirmourad]

It has existed before any Buddhist had even become mindful of it.

[aloozer]

@Amirmourad 'before any Buddhist had even become mindful of it'. mindful of what? Lord Buddha Shakyamuni re-discovered the Dhamma and taught it and meditation is 1 of the core practice of the Noble-Eightfold Path and leads directly to realisation and unbinding.

[boothacus]

I was fortunate to take "Intro to Zen Meditation" at the Zen Mountain Monastery under Daido Roshi. He was a very peaceful man and learning to try and quiet my mind was a great gift and requires a lifetime of practice, it's something you incorporate into your life that brings you peace and helps with everyday life, like eating well or exercise or learning an important skill. I never felt this man was trying to sell me anything and that was great! This is very helpful information!

[willsolomon]

I just don't see why someone who is interested in buddhism, i.e. you, would think it was appropriate to make fun of people. even if they are being immature.

and no I'm not as wise as solomon. someone once said, "only a fool can would think himself wise, whereas a wiseman knows himself to be a fool."

[atfatw]

willysoloman,

my YOU are quite conventional aren't you thats not a virtue you know. also who said that memorable apothegm?

it wasn't you was it?

[willsolomon]

if you ask me, you're the one acting silly by dictating who you think can or cannot benefit. are you so sure you're not putting yourself on a pedestal atfatw? do you imagine yourself enlightened?

[abdaim]

atfatw..you still don't to get the message??!!

[tippngthevelvet]

@atfaturk

Well just this once,

l hope you are a man of his word!

[atfatw]

many helpful insights for zen here

[SundayChilde]

thank you :3

[yetifeets]

Thank you for posting.  Very nice.

[atfatw]

an excellent guide

[experimentalartz]

simply great!!! thanks a lot.

[DRISHANA1]

Thank you for this clear and authentic introduction. Have not seen a better one anywhere.

Also - a great teacher, speaking from great simplicity and centeredness...

[pharmalokd]

very good meditation instruction. seeing people practicing makes my heart happy :)

[goatchez27]

i feel scared of falling into a trance then losing my body permantly. can someone ease my fear?

[Amirmourad]

"can someone ease my fear?"

No. Nobody can erase your fear. If there is a fear of the phenomenon, come to understand why the fear exists. Because the reality is that the deeper you go into meditation, is at the same time one's perception of body, mind, time, and space - all drop away and there is only vast silence.

[Zenboy23]

@Amirmourad "only vast silence"?? you deserve 30 hits with a stick :D

[deontics123]

@Amirmourad : u hv to realise there s nothing to fear

[luckyswine]

@Amirmourad 

Try this...

watch the fear. Let it sniff up to your nose like a dog instead of pushing it away (aversion)

What is this fear? See it, dispassionately, as it is before you.

As you watch the fear in zazen, without becoming involved in the fear, you may find your

reaction to the fear begins to decrease.

[emilchacko]

u dont need to fear that u will loose ur body.trance is just like sleep but ur awake at the same time.next time u feel fear dont hide from it.instead sit down and feel the source of the fear.just keep watching the fear and soon it will disappear.Thn u will know that u can feel fear but you are not fear just like u can feel happiness but r u happiness?

[ZombieJesusBrainz]

@goatchez27 it requires courage! Meditation is mindfulness, which is courage itself! Mindfulness is the state where we are fully present in the world, it takes courage, but the idea is to get the the point where we realise we are the source of all our happiness. This isn't just a saying but must be realised personally. I haven't reached it.

[MrSudsawat]

Practicing meditation regulary and also doing chanting , that will help decrease the fear. Having the right knowledge why we are here on earth for......There is Mr.Brave inside of us.....you just have to know how to bring that out...

[yupiie]

@MrSudsawat I want to meditate, but I´m scared if we are going to become like zombie minded or stuff... =\

[MrSudsawat]

I dont understand that though. I looked through your profile and I see a lot of nice video and suggestions about meditation. With that does not make you have a desire to try to take any meditation cession at all!!!!

[Amirmourad]

@yupiie

It is absolutely the opposite, you are already zombie minded. If you witness the functioning of your mind, you will quickly discover that your mind is either entangled in memory or imagination, but as to the present moment one remains absolutely blind. Even while sitting down to eat your food, your mind is elsewhere, you are not really eating the food, tasting every nuance. Meditation will simply awaken you to the present reality, and that is where the heart of contentment lies.

[yupiie]

@Amirmourad thanks man! thanks for the answer! =) do you meditate and how often?

[Amirmourad]

@yupiie @yupiie

It is absolutely the opposite, you are already zombie minded. If you witness the functioning of your mind, you will quickly discover that your mind is either entangled in memory or imagination, but as to the present moment one remains absolutely blind. Even while sitting down to eat your food, your mind is elsewhere, you are not really eating the food, tasting every nuance. Meditation will simply awaken you to the present reality, and that is where the heart of contentment lies.

[wallsy2010]

Yes, it doesn't happen, go for it!

[killer5656]

Thank you Very Much ,, Namaste

[KhenpoDarma]

Meditation is so important! Remember Ram Bonjom, aka Palden Dorje who has been meditating in Nepal for over 4 years under a tree? Well, from November 18th to the 23rd, 2009 Palden Dorje will be giving blessings in Gadhi Mai. He plans this appearance in order to protest the sacrificing of tens of thousands of animals before they take place on the 24th at the Gadhi Mai Festival near Nijgad in Bara District. Please participate in any way you can. Tell all your friends!

[takezo1977]

THIS WAS THE BEST INTRODUCTION TO ZAZEN I EVER HEARD - THANK YOU SOOO MUTCH!!!

It took me years to find out all the points he was explaining - thank you

[vajraloka1]

rrealise awareness. not calm mind

[antennawilde]

Notably he mentions the zafu pillow and it's effect on the lumbar position, which helps the diaphragm and breath to work together better. An uncommon, though not unusual point, which should be helpful to people with back problems who want to practice.

[WiiCreatorindustry]

5:42

[zherekan]

The first impression I get from the monk is of such calm and tranquility, that a smile blossoms in my face. I hope others get the same impression. Jhon Daido Loori, Roshi, You are an inspiration of hope for the perturbed and the preocupated minds

[786HKHM]

Thanks a millions for this wonderful introduction to Zazen.

[animejoao]

but train to attain budhahood by sasen its meaningless, its doesnt matter which position your body is, its your mind that have to stood still.

[SurfandTachi]

yeah but to keep your mind still is hard considering any distractions like moving or noise, etc.

[ZenBarracuda]

practice

[Tripmania123]

It is also good to practice with noise. Noise is part of the real world, I don't think that the zen is about refusing the real world.

[EndlessEchoes]

@Tripmania123 i wouldn't call this world real, i would call it a consequence of our ignorance towards life. Growing up in it makes it a standard to your subconscious mind, but if you had the capacity to think outside of the box using your conscious mind, you would quickly realize how wrong this world is. This coming from a non buddhist/ non-religious person. Simply my beliefs.

[Aivopiirakka]

@Tripmania123 Is it good to practice with a knife in your ass? It is also part of the real world isn't it? I'm just saying that we can't really discuss on what's good or bad... At the moment, I'm a bit drunk and I feel strong anger against restrictments that society attaches to a human mind. Words are so fucking narrow...

[natezenmaster]

it is a calm mind that is needed; but body and mind are one. The position of the body, the stillness of the body equate to position of the mind and stillness of the mind. So sure, to sit zazen to attain buddhahood is meaningless or silly, you sit to sit. As for meaningless, what isn't?

[Claymaeshon]

But I think Body and mind need to be one, so if the body is not comfortable your mind brings attension to the problem, I believe.