Zazen
坐禅 Zazen
The seated meditation of Zen Buddhism. Not a yoga style, but introduced here for its close kinship as a meditative practice.
This entry is not a yoga style; it is introduced as a closely related practice.
History
In the 13th century Dōgen brought Zen from China to Japan, teaching shikantaza (just sitting) as the heart of Sōtō practice.
Philosophy
Settle the posture, settle the breath, settle the mind. Sitting is valued for itself, not as a means to gain something.
Physical character
Sitting on a zafu cushion with an upright spine; any comfortable leg position will do.
This page offers general information and is not medical advice. If you have a medical condition or are pregnant, consult a doctor or a qualified teacher before practising.
Related practices
- 020 Philosophy
The Eight Limbs (Ashtanga)
Aṣṭāṅga (Yoga Sūtra 2.29)
Eight limbs — yama (restraints), niyama (observances), āsana (posture), prāṇāyāma (breath regulation), pratyāhāra (withdrawal of the senses), dhāraṇā (concentration), dhyāna (meditation) and samādhi (absorption).
Yoga Sūtra, chapter 2, verse 29
- 015 Technique
Trataka (Steady Gazing)
Trāṭaka
A concentration technique of gazing steadily at a single point, such as a candle flame, with minimal blinking.
India · one of the haṭha cleansing practices (ṣaṭkarma)
- 019 Practice
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)
森林浴 Shinrin-yoku
A Japanese wellness practice of walking slowly in a forest and sensing nature with all five senses. Not yoga, but introduced as a practice of connecting with nature.
Japan · 1982