Zazen Talks

Zazen is a meditative discipline that is typically the primary practice of the Zen Buddhist tradition.
The generalized Japanese term for meditation is 瞑想 (meisō); however, zazen has been used informally to include all forms of seated Buddhist meditation. The term zuòchán can be found in early Chinese Buddhist sources, such as the Dhyāna sutras. For example, the famous translator Kumārajīva (344-413) translated a work termed Zuòchán sān mēi jīng (A Manual on the Samādhi of Sitting Meditation) and the Chinese Tiantai master Zhiyi (538–597 CE) wrote some very influential works on sitting meditation.
The meaning and method of zazen varies from school to school, but in general it is a quiet type of Buddhist meditation done in a sitting posture like the lotus position. The practice can be done with various methods, such as following the breath (anapanasati), mentally repeating a phrase (which could be a koan, a mantra, a huatou or nianfo) and a kind of open monitoring in which one is aware of whatever comes to our attention (sometimes called shikantaza or silent illumination). Repeating a huatou, a short meditation phrase, is a common method in Chinese Chan and Korean Seon. Meanwhile, nianfo, the practice of silently reciting the Buddha Amitabha's name, is common in the traditions influenced by Pure Land practice, and was also taught by Chan masters like Zongmi.
In the Japanese Buddhist Rinzai school, zazen is usually combined with the study of koans. The Japanese Sōtō school makes less or no use of koans, preferring an approach known as shikantaza where the mind has no object at all.
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Stories of EnlightenmentIn our class this fall we will contemplate and converse about several stories of Zen practice and enlightenment. Our contemplation and conversations will naturally bring up questions and concerns... YRB-2019-Fall, confusion, Book of Serenity, Discrimination, Zazen, resistance... |
Oct 03 2019 1/7 The Yoga Room |
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Teachings for the Welfare of the WorldIn this summer series, teachings will be offered for those who aspire to embrace and sustain the great earth and all living beings in order to realize peace and freedom in our troubled world. YRB-2019-Summer, Silence, Transmission, true dharma, Religion, Passions, Suzuki Roshi... |
Jul 02 2019 2/7 The Yoga Room |
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Awakening Lives In Silence And StillnessIn the midst of stillness there is the awakened activity of liberating beings; lovingkindness and politics; becoming Buddha by realizing causation; not being possessive of anything, even the dharma,... Lovingkindness, Zazen, Cause-and-Effect, Liberation, |
Jan 02 2017 AM No Abode Hermitage |
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The Pivotal Business of Buddha’s HouseLotus Sutra, Lotus Sutra, Faith, Zazen, Perfect Wisdom, Bell, Samadhi |
Jun 11 2016 AM No Abode Hermitage |
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A Lotus Sutra Narrative of the Bodhisattva PathLotus Sutra, Vow, Gaining Mind, Faith, Dharma Transmission, Zazen, causation,... |
May 07 2016 AM No Abode Hermitage |
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Following through with the Dung ShovelingCompassion, Zazen, Priest, Faith, Bodhisattva Vow, Suzuki Roshi, japanese, Intimacy... |
May 07 2016 PM No Abode Hermitage |
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Zen Meditation as the Bodhisattva PreceptsCompassion, Wisdom, Precepts, Bodhisattva Precepts, Zazen, Sanctuary, Zendo, Observe... |
Oct 11 2014 PM No Abode Hermitage |
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The Work of Going Beyond BuddhaRealization in the body Observe, Big Mind, Mill Valley, Describe, Passions, Zazen, Priest, Japan |
Sep 21 2013 Afternoon No Abode Hermitage |
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Sitting in the Big, Invisible World Zazen, Priest, Suzuki Roshi, practicing generosity, Continuous, Zendo, Patience... |
Jun 22 2013 Morning No Abode Hermitage |
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Stimulating Bodhisattva's courage and entering reality Observe, Rinzai, Gratitude, Bodhisattva Vow, Enemies, Japan, Bodhidharma, Religion,... |
Oct 15 2011 Afternoon No Abode Hermitage |
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The Basic Practice of Stillness and Silence Silence, Impermanence, Attachment, Manjushri, lecture, Bodhidharma, American, Evil,... |
Feb 12 2011 No Abode Hermitage |
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Training for the Selfless Heart zen meditation, Suzuki Roshi, Zazen, Perfect Wisdom, Patience, Separation, Fox,... |
Mar 18 2010 The Yoga Room |
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On Enlightenment and Delusion Bowing, American, Gratitude, Buddha Nature, Zazen, resistance, confusion, Desire,... |
Dec 02 2009 The Yoga Room |
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Leaving Home and Receiving the Precepts Bodhisattva Precepts, Lotus Sutra, Commitment, Karmic Consciousness, Priest, Bell,... |
Sep 26 2009 Afternoon No Abode Hermitage |
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Causation and Non-Self Evil, Attachment, Lineage, Faith, Doubt, Zazen, confusion, Japan, Patience, War... |
Mar 26 2009 The Yoga Room |
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Revealing the Intention of the BuddhaSamdhinirmochana Mahayana Sutra Chapter 1 resistance, Zazen, Demons, Perfect Wisdom, Suzuki Roshi, War, Culture, Enemies,... |
Mar 21 2009 Morning No Abode Hermitage |