참선 2

참선 2 (youtube.com)

 

1. The Art of Sitting Meditation [Posture] Those who learn wisdom should first develop great compassion, make broad vows, and cultivate samadhi with utmost refinement. You should not make vows to save all living beings and seek liberation for only your own body. You should let go of all karma and rest in all things, so that your body and mind are one and move together, and there should be no gaps in tranquility. Measure the amount of food so that you are not too full or too hungry, and regulate your sleep so that you are not too short or too excessive. When sitting meditation, do it in a quiet place, on a thick cushion. Tie your belt loosely, and after rectifying your posture, sit in the lotus position. Place your right foot on your left thigh and your left foot on your right thigh. It is also okay to sit in the half-lotus position, but at this time, press down on your right foot with your left foot. Next, place your right hand on your left foot and place your left palm on your right palm. Place the tips of your two thumbs together, slowly straighten your waist, and then move your body back and forth and left and right a few times to straighten your body and sit upright. Do not lean to the left or right, bend forward or backward, and straighten your waist, spine, head and neck so that the shape is like a buto. At this time, do not tense your body too much and make your breathing unnatural. Keep your ears and shoulders aligned, your nose and navel in a straight line, your tongue against the roof of your mouth, and your mouth closed. Keep your eyes half-open so that you do not fall asleep. If you achieve meditation in this way, your power will greatly overflow.

 

1. Guidelines for Seated Meditation (Zazen):
   • Posture:
     • Begin with great compassion and broad vows.
     • Don’t practice meditation solely for personal liberation; consider benefiting all sentient beings.
     • Release all attachments and distractions, allowing body and mind to merge seamlessly.
     • Regulate food intake to avoid excessive fullness or hunger.
     • Adjust sleep to avoid excess or deficiency.
     • Meditate in a quiet place on a thick cushion.
     • Secure the waistband loosely and sit with a dignified posture.
     • Place the right foot on the left thigh (or vice versa) for the full-lotus position.
     • Alternatively, use the half-lotus position, pressing the left foot against the right thigh.
     • Place the right hand on the left foot and the left hand on the right hand, thumbs touching.
     • Gently sway the waist forward and backward, left and right, to align the body.
     • Keep the spine straight, head aligned with the neck, and eyes half-open to avoid drowsiness.
     • Maintain a relaxed but natural posture.
2. What Is Zazen?
   • Zazen refers to the Buddhist practice of focusing the mind, cutting off discursive thoughts, and awakening the heart.
   • The term originates from the Sanskrit word “dhyana,” which means concentration or meditation.
   • Zazen is widely used in various religious traditions, including Buddhism.
   • It traces back to the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, who attained enlightenment while meditating under the Bodhi tree.
   • Zazen became a fundamental practice in Buddhism, both in Theravada and Mahayana traditions.
   • In China, it influenced the development of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, emphasizing direct experience and freedom.
   • Zazen encompasses not only formal seated meditation but also daily life as a practice.
   • The goal is to awaken the mind and perceive reality directly, beyond conceptual thinking.
   • The Chinese master Huineng emphasized that zazen is not merely a rigid form but an active, liberating practice.
   • The Lotus Sutra states, “Without cutting off delusions, enter the samadhi.” This concept aligns with zazen.
   • Over time, Zen Buddhism established various schools, each emphasizing different aspects of practice.
   • Ultimately, zazen leads to insight and realization, transcending dualities and revealing the true nature of existence.

“Do Not Close Your Eyes”

In ancient times, monks who practiced meditation (zazen) always sat with their eyes open. Even the revered Zen master Beop-un Won-tong admonished those who closed their eyes during meditation, saying it would turn their meditation space into a dark cave inhabited by ghosts. There is profound meaning behind this, understood by those who have delved deeply into the practice.

Once your posture stabilizes and your breath is regulated, focus on your lower abdomen and avoid thinking about good or bad. If distracting thoughts arise, they will naturally dissipate. If you forget about them for a while, they will gradually resolve. This is a valuable secret in the practice of zazen.

“The Gateway to Comfort”

Zazen is indeed a gateway to comfort, but people often fall ill due to misusing their minds. Understand this well, and your entire body will feel at ease, and your mind will become clear. With right understanding, the taste of the Dharma will help your mind remain calm and joyful. Once you experience this, it will feel like finding water when thirsty or a tiger relying on a mountain.

For those who haven’t yet experienced this clarity, it’s like trying to ignite fire using only the wind—effort without results. Make judgments with a joyful mind, and never deceive one another. As your practice deepens, both adversity and smooth sailing become part of the path. However, when right understanding arises, nothing will disturb you.

“After Zazen”

When you finish zazen and stand up, do so slowly and gently. Never rise abruptly. After zazen, always protect and maintain the energy of meditation as if caring for a young child. This way, you can easily sustain the meditative power.

This aspect of meditation is crucial. If you don’t achieve it, everything else will be in vain. It’s like searching for a pearl—you must wait for the waves to settle. When the waves calm down, the pearl of your mind will naturally appear.

The Avatamsaka Sutra states, “Pure wisdom without hesitation arises from meditation.” The Lotus Sutra advises, “Sit quietly, like Mount Sumeru.” To transcend ordinary beings and saints, maintain meditative energy whether sitting or standing. Even if you dedicate your whole life to it, don’t hesitate. How can you prevent the cycle of birth and death if you’re lazy?

Therefore, an ancient saying goes, “Without meditative power, one succumbs to the gates of death, stumbling in darkness.” Let’s all read and contemplate these words repeatedly, benefiting ourselves and others, and together attain true awakening.