Many individuals successfully use Zen meditation on an everyday or frequent basis to achieve the wonder of separating their conscious minds from their physical bodies in order to achieve a sense of understanding with the world that surrounds them. Zen meditation techniques are really just an extension of Buddhist meditation techniques. In fact, Zen meditation focuses primarily on one type of Buddhist meditation to allow practitioners to cast their minds to such a higher level of contemplation and existence that the full power of relaxation and enlightenment is experienced. Through this experience, individuals can leave behind the common worries and occurrences of every day life and instead focus on higher ideals in order to truly achieve peace and understanding.
Zen is short for zazen, and is the Buddhist practice of just sitting. Zen meditation techniques teach that by simply sitting and going through the process of casting off physical worries and concerns, the enlightened mind can be allowed to achieve greatness. Just sitting is harder than it may sound from those simple words, however. One cannot just sit and allow themselves to be held to earth by the bonds of every day life and worries. If so, their conscious mind will not be able to float free and attain greatness. One can also not allow themselves to be distracted by anything surrounding them while practicing Zen meditation techniques.
By just sitting, the practitioners of Zen meditation techniques must find ways to completely relax their physical beings. Sometimes, patterns of lighting and music can enable this to occur. If someone practicing Zen meditation techniques is left with any awareness of their physical body, they will not be able to attain mental enlightenment. Once they work to achieve total relaxation of the body, then total relaxation of the mind becomes the primary focus. Total relaxation of the mind includes letting go of the every day worries that one may have and letting go of any thought that may bind one's mind to their body. When the Zen practitioner has learned to think in images and let go of words, they can begin to experience the enlightenment that follows this form of meditation. Eventually, the practitioner will also be able to move beyond the bounds of images and to a place where the only thoughts are of being - no words, no images, no worries, simply a feeling a greatness and connection with the world around.
Zen meditation techniques may not be easily conquered the first time you seek to use them to enhance your own life. Therefore, you must carefully incorporate the practice of meditation into your every day life, because it is only through practice that the full benefits of Zen meditation can be realized.
The techniques of meditation vary from one culture to other. However, the art of meditation is one. It is universal. These techniques have been developed to suit different personalities.
You would find that certain techniques demand concentration, focus and attention. There are also other techniques that are expansive. ?Vipassana? form of meditation is such a technique. It allows one to enjoy free flow of thoughts in conjunction with observation.
Here are some of the most common techniques used in:
a)Mantra meditation:
A mantra can be defined as a grouping of different sound vibrations that have an effect on the physical as well as mental consciousness. Traditionally, these are given to a student by a Teacher or ?Guru?. However, in the absence of a Guru, the practitioner or the student can opt for his own mantra.
One needs to follow an important rule when selecting a mantra. According to this rule, one must choose a mantra that appeals to the mind fully when spoken verbally. When chanting mantra, powerful vibrations are created. These are said to be directed to the appropriate ?Chakras? in order to attract certain divine forces.
This technique works towards healing the physical, spiritual and psychological body of the practitioner. One must fully enjoy the rhythm of the mantra when it is chanted. It is also necessary to surrender oneself to the whole experience.
b)Steady gaze or Trataka:
This is a simple but very beautiful technique of meditation. You need to use a regular candle for this technique. Some people prefer using other objects of their choice. You should set up the candle at an arm's length. It should be placed in level with eyes.
Perform steady gazing with eyes open first. After a while, you can close your eyes and gaze at the after image of the flame. This should be gazed at the eye brow center. Do not move through out the practice. Now, relax your breath and lengthen and deepen it. Repeat the process for sometime.
c)Chakra meditation:
Charka meditation refers to a simple way for neophytes to explore the charkas via self help. This helps in providing a sense of awakening in them gently. This is done in a balanced integrated manner.
You can perform it either sitting or lying. You need to close your eyes, adjust your body and clothing. Let your breath relax, slow and then deepen. Do not make an attempt to control it. Once you are settled down, begin with Ujjayi pranayam and do this for sometime.
Bring awareness towards the spinal passage. Do it for a few minutes. Ascend with inhalation and descend with exhalation. Try to locate charkas within that channel. Don't locate the exact location. Only focus in general area. Feel the location of these charkas and repeat its name mentally as you pass by it.
You need to mentally repeat from Mooldhara to Ajna and then reverse the order. Prior to finishing, let go of breath sound and then names. Now, chant mantra ?Om? for about three times.
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