Zazen literally means "sitting in meditation." And that is exactly what it is. You sit. You do nothing. You seek nothing. You try to achieve nothing. And in that apparent simplicity, something profound happens.
What Is Zazen
Zazen is the central practice of Zen Buddhism (Chán in China, Seon in Korea). The practitioner sits in a specific posture (lotus or half-lotus), eyes half-open looking downward, and simply... sits.
There is no mantra. No visualization. No declared goal. Master Dōgen said: "Zazen is not practice. It is awakening itself."
How to Practice
- Posture -- seated on zafu (cushion), spine straight, chin slightly tucked
- Hands -- cosmic mudrā (left hand on right, thumbs touching)
- Eyes -- half-open, gaze at 45 degrees toward the floor
- Breathing -- natural, attention on the hara (lower abdomen)
- Mind -- thoughts come and go. Do not follow. Do not reject. Return to posture
- Duration -- 25-40 minutes traditionally
Zen and Vedānta
Zen emphasizes direct experience, beyond words and concepts. Vedānta uses words as a means of knowledge (sabda-pramāṇa). They seem opposite, but they point in the same direction: the reality beyond the discursive mind.
The difference: Zen says "stop thinking and see." Vedānta says "think correctly and see." Both have merit.
Who Benefits
Zazen attracts people who prefer discipline and simplicity. If you do not like much theory and want to go straight to practice, Zen may be your entry point. Afterward, [Vedānta](/blog/what-is-vedanta) can complement with understanding of what you are experiencing.
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