{"id":6149,"date":"2025-03-31T13:18:20","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T04:18:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freedom777.site\/?p=6149"},"modified":"2025-03-31T15:29:04","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T06:29:04","slug":"about-zazen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freedom777.site\/?p=6149","title":{"rendered":"About Zazen"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"rtoc-mokuji-wrapper\" class=\"rtoc-mokuji-content frame4 preset4 animation-fade rtoc_open default\" data-id=\"6149\" data-theme=\"AFFINGER Child\">\n\t\t\t<div id=\"rtoc-mokuji-title\" class=\" rtoc_center\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"rtoc_open_close rtoc_open\"><\/button>\n\t\t\t<span>Contents<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div><ol class=\"rtoc-mokuji decimal_ol level-1\"><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-1\">What is Zazen?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-2\">How is Zazen Practiced?<\/a><ul class=\"rtoc-mokuji mokuji_ul level-2\"><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-3\">1. Posture:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-4\">2. Breathing:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-5\">3. Mindset:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-6\">4. Gaze:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-7\">Benefits of Zazen<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-8\">Where Can You Practice Zazen?<\/a><ul class=\"rtoc-mokuji mokuji_ul level-2\"><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-9\">\u6c38\u5e73\u5bfa(eiheiji) &#8211; \u798f\u4e95(hukui)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-10\">\u5efa\u4ec1\u5bfa(kenninji) &#8211;  \u4eac\u90fd(kyoto)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-11\">\u52dd\u6301\u5bfa(syoujiji) &#8211; \u795e\u5948\u5ddd(kanagawa)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-12\">\u6625\u5149\u9662(Shunkouin )-  \u4eac\u90fd(kyoto)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-13\">\u6771\u798f\u5bfa(T\u014dfuku-ji )-  \u4eac\u90fd(kyoto)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-14\">\u5357\u7985\u5bfa(Nanzen-ji)-  \u4eac\u90fd(kyoto)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-15\">Tips for Participants<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div><h2 id=\"rtoc-1\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Zazen?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Zazen (\u5ea7\u7985) is a form of seated meditation that is central to Zen Buddhism. The word \u201czazen\u201d comes from Japanese, where \u201cza\u201d (\u5ea7) means \u201cseated\u201d and \u201czen\u201d (\u7985) refers to meditation. It is a practice of mindfulness, concentration, and self-awareness aimed at achieving inner peace and enlightenment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"rtoc-2\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">How is Zazen Practiced?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"rtoc-3\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Posture:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sit cross-legged in the full lotus (kekkafuza) or half lotus (hankafuza) position. If this is difficult, sitting on a cushion or in a kneeling position (seiza) is also acceptable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> Keep your back straight and relax your shoulders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place your hands in the cosmic mudra, where the left hand rests on the right palm, with thumbs lightly touching.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"rtoc-4\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Breathing:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Breathe naturally through the nose.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focus on slow, deep breathing from the lower abdomen (hara).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some practitioners count their breaths to maintain concentration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"rtoc-5\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Mindset:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Let thoughts come and go without judgment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain awareness of the present moment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some schools of Zen use koans (paradoxical riddles) as a focus for meditation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"rtoc-6\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Gaze:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The eyes are kept open or half-closed, looking downward at a 45-degree angle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This helps prevent drowsiness and maintains awareness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"rtoc-7\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits of Zazen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mental Clarity: Improves focus, reduces stress, and enhances mindfulness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emotional Stability: Encourages self-awareness and emotional resilience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spiritual Growth: Helps practitioners experience a deeper sense of connection and enlightenment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"rtoc-8\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where Can You Practice Zazen?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Zazen is practiced in Zen temples and meditation centers worldwide. Many Japanese temples offer zazen experiences for beginners and advanced practitioners. Notable places include Eihei-ji (Fukui), Kennin-ji (Kyoto), and S\u014dji-ji (Yokohama).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of the best places in Japan to experience zazen (seated meditation):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"rtoc-9\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u6c38\u5e73\u5bfa(eiheiji) &#8211; \u798f\u4e95(hukui)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>About: Founded by D\u014dgen, the founder of the S\u014dt\u014d Zen school in Japan, Eihei-ji is one of the most respected Zen temples.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experience: Visitors can participate in one-day zazen sessions or multi-day retreats, following the strict routines of Zen monks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cost: Fees vary based on the length of stay (one-day experience usually around \u00a53,000\u2013\u00a55,000).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/daihonzan-eiheiji.com\">https:\/\/daihonzan-eiheiji.com<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"rtoc-10\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u5efa\u4ec1\u5bfa(kenninji) &#8211;  \u4eac\u90fd(kyoto)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>About: The oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, founded in 1202. Known for its beautiful Zen gardens and historical significance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experience: Offers beginner-friendly zazen sessions in a peaceful temple setting. Sessions last about one hour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cost: Suggested donation of \u00a51,000.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kenninji.jp\">https:\/\/www.kenninji.jp<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"rtoc-11\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u52dd\u6301\u5bfa(syoujiji) &#8211; \u795e\u5948\u5ddd(kanagawa)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>About: A major temple of the S\u014dt\u014d Zen school, located in Kanagawa Prefecture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experience: Offers monthly zazen meditation sessions for the public, lasting about 90 minutes, including a short Dharma talk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cost: Around \u00a5500 per session.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sojiji.jp\">https:\/\/www.sojiji.jp<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"rtoc-12\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u6625\u5149\u9662(Shunkouin )-  \u4eac\u90fd(kyoto)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>About: A temple within the My\u014dshin-ji complex, offering zazen sessions in English.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experience: Meditation sessions are taught in English, making it one of the best places for foreign visitors. Includes tea ceremony and Buddhist philosophy discussion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cost: Around \u00a53,000 per person.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shunkoin.com\">https:\/\/www.shunkoin.com<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"rtoc-13\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u6771\u798f\u5bfa(T\u014dfuku-ji )-  \u4eac\u90fd(kyoto)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>About: Famous for its stunning autumn foliage and traditional Zen gardens.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experience: Offers morning zazen sessions open to the public. Ideal for both beginners and experienced practitioners.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cost: Free, but donations are welcome.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tofukuji.jp\">https:\/\/www.tofukuji.jp<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"rtoc-14\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u5357\u7985\u5bfa(Nanzen-ji)-  \u4eac\u90fd(kyoto)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>About: A historic Zen temple known for its scenic gardens and aqueduct.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experience: Group zazen sessions available upon request. Ideal for visitors wanting a private or custom meditation experience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cost: Prices vary; contact the temple for details.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nanzenji.or.jp\">https:\/\/www.nanzenji.or.jp<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"rtoc-15\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for Participants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Attire: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to facilitate ease during meditation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Language Support: While some temples may offer guidance in English, it\u2019s advisable to confirm in advance or consider bringing a Japanese-speaking friend.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reservation: Many temples require prior reservations for zazen sessions. It\u2019s recommended to contact the temple ahead of your visit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Experiencing zazen in a traditional temple setting offers profound insight into Japanese culture and Zen philosophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is Zazen? Zazen (\u5ea7\u7985) is a form of seated meditation that is central to Zen Buddhism. The word \u201c &#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17,38,40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6149","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-culture","category-qa","category-travel"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/freedom777.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6149","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/freedom777.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/freedom777.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freedom777.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freedom777.site\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6149"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/freedom777.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6149\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6152,"href":"https:\/\/freedom777.site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6149\/revisions\/6152"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/freedom777.site\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6149"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freedom777.site\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6149"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freedom777.site\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6149"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}