Zazen It is the central practice of Zen Buddhism, which literally means “sitting meditation”. It is a form of meditation that is performed in a specific posture, usually sitting on a cushion called zafu, with legs crossed and back straight. Zazen practice focuses on observing the breath and stillness of the mind., allowing thoughts to pass without holding on to them or rejecting them.
The goal of zazen is not to achieve a particular state of mind, but simply “to be” in the present moment, experiencing reality as it is, without the distractions of discursive thought. in zazen, it seeks to transcend the dualities of the mind, like the self and the other, and experience a unity with all existence.
At the Soto Zen school, Zazen is a direct manifestation of awakening, zazen is not just a means to an end, but it is in itself the expression of awakening.
The practice of zazen is essential in Zen because it embodies the essence of the Buddhist path: Meditation as a vehicle for inner transformation and realization of Buddha nature that, according to tradition, is present in all beings.
