Zen is the practice of mindfulness, whether we sit
on a cushion, a chair or walk. Arranging flowers,
preparing tea, doing calligraphy and archery are
also forms of Zen practice. At Silver City Zen
Center we practice a meditative form of Zen from
Japan called Soto Zen. It is a simple form of
practice which requires developing a correct
sitting posture and concentrating on or
experiencing the breath.
The purpose of Zen is to still the mind and recognize the "oneness" that exists in the universe. We refer to what we do as "practice" since no matter what we are doing, we practice focusing our thoughts solely on what we are doing at this moment. When I wash dishes, I just wash dishes; when I drive my car, I just operate my car. Singlemindedness! When I hold a flower, I and the flower become one. Our practice is one of the heart.
To sit Zen (Zazen) creates for us a time and place where the mind can come to rest. When I begin to sit, a myriad of things fill my mind. As I begin to pay careful attention to my breath, the objects of the mind become less important and begin to take a back seat. It is the concentration on the breath that dissipates the myriad of things that can enter the mind. We practice the Four Seals, by being mindful that all composite beings are impermanent, that emotions are painful, beings are without inherent existence, and that Nirvana ( the absence of craving and thirsting,) is beyond concepts.
When our community sits together, we bow, sit and face a blank wall. The act of sitting together gives support to our practice as we share a similar endeavor, and in doing so, become one. The cushion becomes a dumping ground as we shovel the mud that clouds our minds. After much practice and work, our awareness grows and light begins to penetrate the darkness.
The purpose of Zen is to still the mind and recognize the "oneness" that exists in the universe. We refer to what we do as "practice" since no matter what we are doing, we practice focusing our thoughts solely on what we are doing at this moment. When I wash dishes, I just wash dishes; when I drive my car, I just operate my car. Singlemindedness! When I hold a flower, I and the flower become one. Our practice is one of the heart.
To sit Zen (Zazen) creates for us a time and place where the mind can come to rest. When I begin to sit, a myriad of things fill my mind. As I begin to pay careful attention to my breath, the objects of the mind become less important and begin to take a back seat. It is the concentration on the breath that dissipates the myriad of things that can enter the mind. We practice the Four Seals, by being mindful that all composite beings are impermanent, that emotions are painful, beings are without inherent existence, and that Nirvana ( the absence of craving and thirsting,) is beyond concepts.
When our community sits together, we bow, sit and face a blank wall. The act of sitting together gives support to our practice as we share a similar endeavor, and in doing so, become one. The cushion becomes a dumping ground as we shovel the mud that clouds our minds. After much practice and work, our awareness grows and light begins to penetrate the darkness.