Greetings! Years ago, I learned how to do zazen from a book. Specifically, I read Katsuki Sekida's book "Zen Training". His instructions on breathing, I've since learned, are idiosyncratic.
Nowhere else is his method described: exhaling to a resting point for the diaphragm then, every 3-5 breaths expelling the air from the lungs until nearly empty and then countering that effort by pressing downward with the diaphragm and building tension in the abdomen. Sekida describes this as "throwing strength into the hara" and "building spiritual strength". Sekida comments that this is a unique method, described nowhere else in Zen literature, and that he's sure that upon trying it the meditator will find it very useful. (I'm paraphrasing here and above.) Now, I know that this might be a trivial issue, but what am I to think when a long-term, general, concept I've had about zazen is, in fact, eccentric and unique to one teacher? I don't think this really matters, but no one else describes the method, in fact, I recall that some writers warn against trying to control or manipulate the breath. (Yet such breath control is common in yoga and playing any wind-instrument!) Is this a matter of "if it works for you, then there's no problem."? This isn't right, unless I would have been enlightened by now if I would just mind and count my unmanipulated breath. By the way; I'm posting this after having sent this question to a published Zen Master and then having received comments to the effect that they did not know of or support the method and would likely discourage it in their zendo if, hypothetically, I attended and was observed doing this. I will continue to poll such Zen Masters and instructors as I can via email for further comments and feedback. Sekida's book is considered a classic by many; just check the reviews of the new edition. Yet, it appears that no one practices or teaches according to Sekida. Thanks in advance for your comments. ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Would you Help a Child in need? It is easier than you think. Click Here to meet a Child you can help. http://us.click.yahoo.com/sTR6_D/I_qJAA/i1hLAA/S27xlB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Current Book Discussion: Appreciate Your Life by Taizan Maezumi Roshi Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ZenForum/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
