Well, there's not much to say about my meditation, such as it is. I
just sit for a while. 

Sesshins? Not inclined that way. Possibly a good idea, but a full day
-- much less a weekend or week -- free just to do Zen? Sure you can say
that if enlightenment or liberation or whatever matters that much, then
you should push yourself no matter what. Time, money, family --
secondary.

No. 

Anyway, I'm not all that convinced that extended periods of sitting
lead to whatever they're supposed to lead to. I'd rather take a
vacation to a nice cave or state park. And that's something my wife
would enjoy as well. Isn't nature an integral part of Zen?

Anyway, my reading (e.g., Hardcore Zen, Novice to Master, Zen Mind
Beginner's Mind) implies that Zen is so much more than sitting
meditation. Shoot, if one's everyday life isn't connected to Zen in
some way, then what's the point of it all? 

In fact, I've no idea whether or not I practice Zen at all. Some (e.g.,
Kapleau) might say not, that one must have a teacher, especially if
one's doing koan study. Others (Warner) say, just sit. 

My practice seems in accord, more or less, with what I've read. And
yes, I know you can't rely on books to really learn something. 

Unfortunately, the nearest Zen center is over two hundred miles away,
so participating there isn't in the cards for the immediate future. Not
to mention that I've not a spare few hundred dollars for the annual
membership fee.

Personally, I like the Soto style. Just sit. Shikentaza. Tougher than
it sounds, of course. 

So, just what is practicing zazen? 


--Michael






--- spider <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> Part of practice is scholarship and study. But even if anyone posted
messages regarding their meditation or sesshins or temple
participation, that would be fine too. There does not seem to be anyone
actively practicing zazen here, and if they are, they are not posting
about it. Just posting meandering observations based on "gut feelings"
may seem "Zen-like" but it is not Zen.
> 


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com 


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/
 


Reply via email to