Zen meditation
There are various forms of meditation practiced all around the world. It has been proven to be a great resource for relieving stress and becoming more relaxed. A common form of meditation is Zen meditation. This form was originally used by Zen Buddhist and incorporates sitting positions and breathing.
The techniques used in Zen meditation include:
Breath Counts
Counting your breath is one of the most encouraged starting points of meditation. This allows beginners to get use to sitting still and clearing their minds. Start by sitting down. Exhale once and count that as one. Next while inhaling, count that as two. Repeat each count out load as you do it. Go up to ten then start all over again back at one. If you lose track of what number you’re on just start back at one. Begin by doing this for 15 minutes twice a day.
Following Your Breath
This is almost like counting your breath except of the fact that you’re not counting. This will make you focus your mind and block out all distractions. Begin by sitting down. You don’t want to control your breath but “experience” it. Focus on breathing and nothing else.
Koans
This is a practice of being. A Koan is a question that is lived. When this question is lived then the answers will come on their own. This is a very powerful practice and will naturally bring the change equaling the effort placed into it.
Repeating your Thoughts
This is a simple practice to start. First repeat each and every thought that comes to your mind back to yourself. Any road-blocks will present themselves to you.. What you do is, repeat your thoughts back to yourself like so: "Having a thought about what to cook for sinner". "Having a thought about whether to cook fish or chicken"; "Having a thought about whether to just order out". Keep going without stopping. Keep repeating your thoughts. Don’t get tired or frustrated – just keeping repeating them. As you go your thoughts will become clearer and clearer to you and you’ll no longer have to repeat them.
Shikantaza
This is the method of doing “nothing”. Do not involve yourself in discussion or look for things to do. Simply keep your mind clear of any and all clutter. This is a hard concept to grasp but you will see why when you practice it.
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