Zazen means sitting zen. The Buddha realized enlightenment sitting under a tree. Down the centuries so many others have found the end of their search through the practice of zazen. Just recently, a friend of mine, a simple and uneducated Japanese carpenter, was sitting in zazen when a tidal wave of gratitude and joy burst through him and he lost all his old concerns and limitations. From my own experience I can’t begin to tell you how often I get up from the zazen cushion with my whole being renewed and dancing with joy, back in my true place, connected with all things. Could you open up to the wonders of this amazing life through the practice of zazen? What would your life be like if you take the time to find for yourself the way to massively enhance your well-being, your happiness and your perception of reality every day of your life?

The core of Zenways Zazen practice is based in the teachings of the great Zen masters. There are two types of practice, traditionally called the two wheels of your cart. The first type enhances your wellbeing and vitality. To live an active fulfilling life, and at the same time to penetrate deeply into your true nature, you need a robust, healthy physical system. the second type of zazen is directed towards insight into reality, kensho or satori, as enlightenment is called in Zen. Within Zenways there are eight main types of zazen practice, only two of which are widely known in  the west.

Traditionally, you learn zazen through working with a Zen Master. Your progress will be fastest if you can find a master to study with. There are many resources on the web and in book form to help you start to learn about zazen. As you look through them, it may be helpful to ask yourself the questions, “What is this person’s life experience? Can he help me to touch the beauty, power and truth that is my birthright?” I intend to release an instructional CD on the art and science of zazen. (If you want to snap up a reduced price introduction copy, email me now and I’ll put you on the waiting list. In the meantime, if you need them, here are some instructions to get you going:

(1) Sit with the body upright. To start with, you may need some kind of back support. Gradually you can train yourself to find the body’s natural centre so you can find a natural upright poise.

(2) Find a comfortable position for your legs. Traditionally crossed-leg full or half lotus is used. Find what works for you and as your body naturally opens up, you can move towards these positions.

(3) Lower your eyes and let them rest on the floor in front of you. As you become more experienced, you can close them if you wish.

(4) Centre your breathing and your mind in the centre of your body just below the level of the navel. To start with you can mentally count in and out breaths up to ten. Then start again at one. Later you can just follow and be aware of the breath. Later still there will be no breath and your whole awareness and being will disappear. When you emerge from this you will be a completely new being in a new world.

(5) But don’t stop here. You need to be able to go into and out of this place at will. Then life and death have no fears for you.

(6) Practice every day. Consistency is the lifeblood of progress. At the same time, don’t try to force things. Your zazen can be the most pleasurable and enjoyable part of your day. Keep an easy, natural quality to your practice.

– wishing you health, happiness, delight and ever-expanding awareness of the truth of things.