Types of Meditation in Zen (by jyozen) (draft 1)

Though promoted as types of meditative techniques, in fact all of these are intended to as ways of being in the world; and as a result of being in the world in a certain way.

1. Shikantaza = Just Precisely Sitting. Promoted by Dozen Zenji as the proper way to do zazen.

2. Zazen = Sitting Absorbed. Comes from Zenna (Absorption Meditation); which is said to be the meditation Shakyamuni Butsu found himself, both naturally as a child watching his father work, and when sitting under the 'Bodhi' tree to awaken. Absorption Meditation means to be absorbed into reality as it is, as Reality itself absorbs us... so there is no separation between us. We are living in Reality, and Reality lives in us. This is said to be our natural human state, which results in natural humane behavior. In Zen all other meditations are thought to be the result of living in Zenna. Though they can be used as meditations in and of themselves, they should eventually lead one to be in Zenna, so that they should be, not just a meditative technique, but will be naturally a part of our lives.

3. Meiso- Japanese Meditation. As most cultures, the Japanese too, always had their own meditations as well; these are usually put under the category of meiso. Since it's used for many meditation, the meaning of each character takes no various connotations according to it's use. But generally relates to the natural sitting of the mind. Me relates to the eyes, and often is said to be eyes closed, or eyes resting (often interpreted as 1/2 closed in a natural resting position). 'i' is harder but deals with nature and natural. So is the mind or thoughts, which should rest naturally like the eyes. In this way there is no separation between Nature, our body (eyes), and our mind. Meiso can be used with all of the Zen Meditations as they descended to it through it's Buddhist heritage.

4. Nen-Meiso = Nen is Mindfulness. Mindfulness Meditation means to be aware of all time/space... Of our place in relation to all time/space. It has the meaning of both being right here / right now and also remembering all here's and all now's... thus connection past-present-future as one here now. This is often used as a Meditation in Daily Life during all of our daily activities. Nen-Meiso is the natural result of living in Zenna.

5. Kan-Meiso = Kan is Insight; or to see clearly into reality... Looking deeply into Reality.

6. Kida-Meiso = aka Sanmai; This is to be established; focused; concentrated; determined.

7. Jaku-Meiso = Tranquility.

8. Kakusoku = Immediately Awake. This is an interesting type of awareness, where it settles no where, with no distinction. Naturally, immediately we are awake. This is often thought to be the true teaching of Soto-shu Zen.

9...

Zen Meditation and Archery at the Lahaina Jodo Mission Sept. 2015

Sotoba / Pagoda at the Lahaina Jodo Mission, Maui, Hawaii

Meditation Group Photo

We began with the idea to begin the 1st Shot Kyudo Workshop with an Intro to meditation session the evening before; it quickly morphed into a Intro to Meditation for several evenings during my stay. The last couple were attended by known meditation instructors from other traditions on the Island.

Kinhin - Walking Meditation

Kyudo Instruction under the trees

Breaktime in the shade of the beautiful palms

Unexpectedly caught pulling arrows

The workshop was a great success. We ended up covering all the expenses plus (finally) a decent donation to the temple.

Thank you to all who could attend.

Meditation Class

I remember the first time Kosaka Sensei asked me to lead a public introduction to meditation class.

He instructed me to teach how to meditate. I began with all the rules of how to sit, much like Master Dogen laid them out for us.

As I neared the end of all the rules, Kosaka Sensei signaled me to finish. I finished, introduced him, and I gave him the floor.

The first thing he said was, 'There are no rules'.

Mokuso - Silent Contemplation

Mokuso is Silent Contemplation. This is a very popular form of meditation in many martial arts circles.

We can even heard it said as we begin to sit quietly before class 'Mokuso!'
I was taught as a kid in Karate that it meant 'Attention!'; but I related this like Attention! in the military; and I suppose in some ways this is true. Even Zen can be a bit militaristic in it's tough disciplined approach.

Mokuso does come from a Buddhist background and is one of the 84,200 forms of meditation taught in Mahayana Buddhist that is prevalent in Japan.

This silent contemplation can bring up our awareness, wake us up, and bring us to attention.
It also allows our worries and cares from outside the dojo to dissolve and bring us into focus on the task at hand; perhaps even bring us to directly experience this present moment.

In martial arts being in the present moment, just like in Zen, is the primary way to live.