FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Zen Meditation for Beginners

    New to Zen meditation? This beginner's guide answers your first questions—what Zazen is, how to sit, how long to practice, and what to do when your mind won't settle.

    What is Zen meditation?

    Zen meditation, or Zazen, is a seated practice that cultivates focused awareness through breath work.

    How do I begin meditating?

    Probably the first port of call is The Zen Gateway’s video tutorial, ‘How to Sit Zazen’...

    How should I sit for meditation?

    Traditional meditation postures, developed over time, include cross-legged positions, kneeling, and chair sitting.

    How long should I meditate for?

    Beginners can start with 10-15 minutes, building up to traditional 30-minute periods timed to a burning incense stick.

    Why can’t I stop thinking when I meditate?

    Thinking is largely habitual and arises without our choosing it - the practice is simply to notice when we have been carried away and gently return to the...

    What if I find it difficult to concentrate?

    Difficulty concentrating is normal and can be cultivated - a quiet, regular place and time to sit helps the body and mind settle into practice.

    Do I need to stop thinking in order to meditate properly?

    No - stopping thought by force is nearly impossible. Instead, we simply return attention to the breath whenever we notice we have been carried away.

    What is the difference between Zen meditation and mindfulness?

    Zen meditation and mindfulness both cultivate the same quality of wholehearted attention, applied to sitting versus the activities of daily life.

    Why do we focus on the body and the breath?

    The body and breath give us an immediate, ever-present field of sensation to return attention to, without needing to think about it.

    What is the relationship between meditation and everyday life?

    What we cultivate on the meditation seat, we continue to cultivate in everyday life - the two practices support and deepen one another.

    Do I need to be a Buddhist to practise Zen meditation?

    You do not need to be a Buddhist to practise Zen meditation, though within Buddhist practice its purpose - cultivating wisdom and compassion - differs from...

    Why is it helpful to meditate with a teacher or a Zen group?

    Sitting with a teacher or Zen group brings companionship, shared wisdom and encouragement that support and sustain a solitary meditation practice.
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