How to Meditate - Beginners Introduction to Zazen

Learn the basics of Zen meditation in less than five minutes. Clear, step-by-step
meditation instruction, as practiced at the Hazy Moon Zen Center of Los Angeles.

Learn how to meditate in person by taking our class at the Hazy Moon:
http://www.hazymoon.com/Classes/tabid/63/Default.aspx

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This video teaches you how to meditate as taught in the tradition of Zen Buddhism. These meditation techniques, known as Zazen, have been passed down generation after generation from the Shakyamuni Buddha.

Transcript:
Hazy Moon Zen Center: Meditation Instruction
"The Zazen I speak of is not learning meditation. It is the manifestation of ultimate reality." - Dogen
At the Hazy Moon, we practice classical meditation as taught by the Shakyamuni Buddha and his successors, passed down from India to China, to Japan, to America. The form is simple and enduring.
To begin, you will need a quiet room, comfortable clothes, and a cushion.
Choosing Your Position.
Sit on the forward third of your cushion. The lower body will form a tripod - knees on the ground and the base supported with a cushion, bench or chair. Choose a position you can sustain for comfort and stability.
For the full lotus position, place your right foot on your left thigh, and your left foot against your right thigh.
The half lotus position places the right foot on the left thigh and the left foot on the floor against the right thigh.
In burmese, both feet are on the floor, tucked against each leg.
To sit in the seiza position, set the cushion up vertically. The shins lie on either side of the cushion.
A bench can also be used.
When sitting in a chair, place your feet flat on the ground, and sit towards the chair's edge to ensure an erect spine.
Whatever position you choose, your upper body will be the same. Place your hands in the cosmic mudra - right palm up against the lower belly. Left atop right, middle knuckles overlap. Thumb-tips lightly touch and form an oval. Use a supporting cushion if your hands fall low or pull your shoulders.
Finding Your Posture
Whatever position is right for you, begin by swaying side to side to center the spine. Elongate your spine by pushing up towards the ceiling then relax. Tip the pelvis forward slightly to encourage the natural curve of your back. Relax the belly and let it protrude.
Ears should be in line with the shoulders, shoulders over hips. Center the tip of the nose over the navel, and tuck the chin in slightly.
Eyes are open, lowered at a 45 degree angle in an unfocused and gentle gaze toward the floor. Look out a few feet in front of you.
Have a relaxed but alert posture. Take time to set up your body correctly every time you sit.
Breathing
Begin by paying attention to your breath. Let it move naturally, without effort. Count each exhale and inhale, one to ten.
Onnnnne, onnnnnnne. Twooooooo, twooooo. Threeee, threeeee.
Breathe from the lower belly, about two fingers width below your navel. Your breath may be shallow at first. It will deepen naturally with practice. Set an alarm for yourself for 10 minutes. You can experiment with longer times. It is best to sit every day.
Count silently from one to ten, one to ten, one to ten. If you lose the count, resume where you left off or go back to one. When thoughts come up, don't engage with them and don't suppress them. Just return to the count.
You are now ready to begin.
For information on introductory classes or to sign up for retreats visit www.hazymoon.com

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[TheCloudXTraining]

I've a question. Could we do it with right palm over the left? What are the differences in terms of effects? Secondly, do we suspend the palms in mid-air against the abdominal? Or should palms rest on the legs?

[hazymoonzencenter]

Hi @TheCloudXTraining, it's hard to speculate the difference between right palm over left, this method has been practiced for hundreds or thousands of years. Part of the gift of Zen lineage is being able to take advantage of years of refinement. It's difficult to know the reasons for all the specifics, but at a certain point we trust the lineage because of the results it's produced.

As for the palms, they should not be in mid-air.

Good Luck!

[Luvanicebum]

I have Tourettes and I'm practicing this similar technique to eliminate my tics.

Before I knew about meditation, I would count to 10 while trying to not

tic. Within a week of practice every day, I was up to a minute.

I have eliminated my outward tics, but still have internal anxiety.

I think transitioning into a traditional meditation is the next step.

Thank you for this video. Love and Peace be with you.

[hazymoonzencenter]

@Luvanicebum, thank you! That's wonderful and very inspirational!!

[Triangulations]

Excellent video, thank you.

Few questions:

(1) So the hands should not be held unsuspended - correct? They should rest on your feet or on a little pillow/pad?

(2) Do some people count higher than 10? What are the pros and cons

[hazymoonzencenter]

Hi @Triangulations,

1) That is correct, the hands should not be unsuspended. Use either your feet or or a pillow, or sometimes your lap will suffice.

2) There is no need to count higher than 10. The point of the meditation is to just focus on counting to 10. When thoughts arise about wondering if the count should be different, or if thoughts arise about whether or not you are doing it correctly, simply focus back on counting to 10.

Good luck!

[nekillo1983]

Thank you so much for this video .Greetings.

[Anorchous]

the full lotus position is near imossible for me because of my huge thighs :D im getting on well with the half lotus position though ^^ excellent video :D

[benjerman92]

Thank you very much for this outstanding video,

I hope to finally find peace in my life.

I also hope to learn more about Buddhism.

May the spirit of the Buddha always be with you

[lavedon]

@Luvanicebum Very very inspiring! thanks for sharing!

[Jaywuzup]

Could this technique help me control my anger and be more patience in my life?....i though of trying this...

[labguy22]

Thank you so much for this video. I have only the knowledge from books so it was very helpful seeing this demonstrated by actual people.