Jenny
I'm doing a video project on the book "Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" and I need a song that is short (like 3-4 minutes max), meaningful, instrumental. Here is a perfect example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXtYyz4ICus , except I have no idea what song it is.
Thank you!
Answer
Zen is usually calm and somewhat contemplating (contemplating means to think about something in a concentrated manner or for an extended period of time), so I can imagine that this would be a good choice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO-d5-VxaUA
Or maybe you'd prefer something from VNV Nation, here's just one example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k23ZewdVVSI
Zen is usually calm and somewhat contemplating (contemplating means to think about something in a concentrated manner or for an extended period of time), so I can imagine that this would be a good choice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO-d5-VxaUA
Or maybe you'd prefer something from VNV Nation, here's just one example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k23ZewdVVSI
I am trying to sit in the zazen position, but I can't. What kind of stretching should I do?
southpaw
I recently read a book about zen. When I tried to sit in the zazen position, my knees and inner thighs will not tolerate it. What stretching can I do to achieve it?
Answer
Here's a short article describing yoga poses/stretches that will help you sit zazen more comfortably:
http://www.shambhalasun.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3293&Itemid=244
Many people mistakenly assume that zazen requires that you arrange your legs in the "full lotus" position, with each foot on the opposite thigh. This position is possible only for a very small number of practitioners. And it conveys no special meaning or quality to zazen. Full lotus is a very stable sitting position, for the few who can attain it.
More frequently, zen students sit with their legs in "half lotus" (one foot on the opposite thigh) or in "Burmese" position - with both feet on the mat in front of the legs. Some people also kneel in seiza (sometimes using a bench).
Some meditators also sit in chairs, stand, or even recline on the floor, if their body cannot tolerate any of the cross-legged positions.
Here's a good description, with photos, of each of the types of meditation positions. You might experiment with them and find out what's most comfortable for you.
http://www.mro.org/zmm/teachings/meditation.php
Please keep in mind that how your body is configured is not nearly as important as what your mind does. The essence of zazen is not in technique but in awareness.
Here's a short article describing yoga poses/stretches that will help you sit zazen more comfortably:
http://www.shambhalasun.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3293&Itemid=244
Many people mistakenly assume that zazen requires that you arrange your legs in the "full lotus" position, with each foot on the opposite thigh. This position is possible only for a very small number of practitioners. And it conveys no special meaning or quality to zazen. Full lotus is a very stable sitting position, for the few who can attain it.
More frequently, zen students sit with their legs in "half lotus" (one foot on the opposite thigh) or in "Burmese" position - with both feet on the mat in front of the legs. Some people also kneel in seiza (sometimes using a bench).
Some meditators also sit in chairs, stand, or even recline on the floor, if their body cannot tolerate any of the cross-legged positions.
Here's a good description, with photos, of each of the types of meditation positions. You might experiment with them and find out what's most comfortable for you.
http://www.mro.org/zmm/teachings/meditation.php
Please keep in mind that how your body is configured is not nearly as important as what your mind does. The essence of zazen is not in technique but in awareness.
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