Zazen: what is Zen meditation?

Nowadays, the benefits of meditation on health and well-being in general are well established. Several objectives arise from its practice, which means that several currents of meditation have appeared for a better well-being. Have you ever heard of Zazen meditation? What are its principles? What is its purpose ? How to experience it? Answers to questions in this article!

Why this meditation?

In literal translation from Japanese to French, zazen meditation means the posture used for the practice of Zen meditation. “za” which means sitting and “zen” which means meditation. So zazen is a form of meditation which aims at experimenting with a special posture.

In addition, it has no specific purpose. The person who practices it must not be under any pressure of objectives to be achieved. On the contrary, she must be completely disconnected, completely emptied of her thoughts. It is important to note that this form of meditation dates back several years. Initially, all the attention of the body is focused on its posture, which has a direct impact on the proper harmonization of body, mind and breathing.

Thus, zazen meditation is a very special meditation which aims above all at the elasticity and power of the body. Therefore, zazen meditation is practiced to revel in the present moment, to expel all negative emotions, to extricate oneself from the daily burden. Nevertheless, in order to experience its results, adequate postures are required!

Zazen meditation, which posture for better well-being?

In order to experience all the benefits of zazen massage, postures are important to promote general well-being. Upstream of this, it is essential to wear comfortable clothes, where you feel comfortable. Thereafter, sit in the shape of a lotus on a small cushion which is also called a zafu.

Put your right foot on your left thigh and your left foot on your right thigh. All parts of the body must be in harmony to favor an optimal position for meditation. For the zazen posture, a special technique is to be experienced. That is, the spine should be in a position well aligned with the head. The shoulders and upper parts of the body are relaxed and in perfect alignment. The right hand placed on the abdomen, palm up. Same thing for the left hand. The knees and tailbone should be on the ground. Remember that both of your hands must be joined together. Close your mouth at the same time. Be sure that your position is comfortable for quality breathing. There is great interest in exhalation and depth. This has the effect of helping you relax and clear your mind.

Zazen meditation, enormous health benefits!

Practicing this form of meditation on a daily basis is extremely beneficial. It allows among other things:

• To ease the mind, to bring it to safety.
• To create calm, serenity and well-being.
• To control a good cerebral circulation.
• To reduce stress.
• To lower blood pressure.
• To reduce pain.
• To protect against external aggressions.
• Promote good blood circulation

Compared to other forms of meditation, zazen mediation is no exception when it comes to its health benefits. Other studies have even gone so far as to prove its benefits for better spiritual awakening. As far as duration is concerned, it is very relative. Ideally, a Zazen session lasts 20 to 50 minutes. At the same time, it is advisable to complete the maximum duration of the session to accustom the brain to this practice which is surely unknown to it. It is important to take into account the deep psychological dimension of this form of meditation. Its process is not easy, a discipline is required to make the most of its benefits.