Anthony, So zen is anything not dualistic. I'm not a zen scholar, and the way I practice zen includes compassionate service, and ethical conduct. So, technically, my zen practice is not authentic zen. Oh well. I first learned about visualization froma book called "Creative Visualization" , from the 70's era. In recent years, there have been many healing therapies that use it. "The violet flame", for example. I am learning as I go along how incredible powerful the mind really is. Sometimes visualization is called the placebo-effect. Here's an example. In a meta-analysis on studies on depression, it has been demonstrated that use of anti-depressants for mild -to moderate depression , is no more effective, than if given a placebo. If you believe it works-- it can. (Meta-analaysis is a study of studies). Here's another.. In my pain management class with "seniors" ;), I will arrive the first day with a surfboard and related equipment. When I introduce myself, I will welcome everyone, and tell them how excited I am they are interested in learning how to surf! I'll go on for a few minutes about the number of years I've been doing it, and boy-- are they gonna love it! As they look at me as if I've lost my mind, we will laugh a bit, and in effect--it creates a paradigm shift. If I believe they can do it, ( and I do), they will too--in time. First, I will take them into a relaxation visualization with their breath. Its the first step in a process. In Santa Barbara, it will probably be roller-blades, or hiking gear. In Utah, with cardiac patients, it will be a pair of skis, wax, and files, as if I were leading a "Tune Your Own Skis" class. Isn't it possible to begin with two halves and unify them into one? So, maybe beginning with dualism isn't so bad? To me-- all of this is zen. I don't have to define its boundaries in that way. My two cents.. *s* k On Thu, 2/10/11, Anthony Wu <[email protected]> wrote:
From: Anthony Wu <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Zen] visualization To: [email protected] Date: Thursday, February 10, 2011, 2:44 PM Brett, I did for about a year and gave up. That, no doubt, can be a good practice. But it is not zen. Anthony --- On Fri, 11/2/11, artist <[email protected]> wrote: From: artist <[email protected]> Subject: [Zen] visualization To: [email protected] Date: Friday, 11 February, 2011, 5:01 AM I was just wondering if anyone here uses any visualization practises in their meditation. Brett.
