Zazen is the heart of Zen practice. It means “sitting Zen”—a simple yet profound way to awaken to the present moment. It is not about escaping life but fully engaging with it.
In Zazen, we sit cross-legged on a cushion, with our backs straight and our hands resting in front of our abdomen. Our breath flows naturally through our noses, and our eyes remain open—softly downcast at about 45 degrees.
Unlike other forms of meditation that encourage closing the eyes, in Zazen, we face the world as it is.
With all our senses engaged, we do not withdraw into an inner fantasy; instead, we learn to be truly present, here and now.
During Zazen, we do not move. There is nothing to fix, nothing to do during meditation. We do not chase after thoughts or try to suppress them. If discomfort arises—perhaps tingling legs or a dull ache—we simply acknowledge it, breathe through it, and continue sitting.
Breathing is central to Zazen. We breathe deeply and slowly through the nose, allowing the exhalation to lengthen naturally. Each inhale nourishes the body with energy; each exhale releases tension, activating the Tanden—the core of our energetic strength.
When the bell rings and the meditation ends, we may notice a shift—a mind that feels clearer, a body that feels relaxed, a sense of vital energy that carries us forward.
Zazen is not about achieving a mystical state. It is about meeting life exactly as it is, moment by moment. The tools are our breath, posture, and our senses, and the result is healing the dualities of our existence.