Zen Meditation Instruction: Private Interview

[@gypsy4932]

This was very informative. Thank you for taking the time to make it.

[@marypatton1122]

But can you still be at peace with blah, blah, blah? The point is to let all things flow and to find unity with others. Solitary is good. Collective ritual can be good too. It is all good in time.

[@Knaeben]

One note about the comments I see: being intimidated by formality is a barrier one needs to confront like any other. If it makes you uncomfortable, that discomfort is in yourself. What is it?

[@AnthonyL0401]

Very formal. Not a fan of to much ritual. Maybe my ego is an issue.

[@ufozencom]

ha! maybe... or maybe this is a bit silly...

[@BrysonKeenan]

***** Perhaps it simply ensures that people don't trip over each other. Form, hopefully, follows function...

[@FreekeeChakra]

"maybe"? haha

[@ZenAndPsychedelicHealingCenter]

If you don't want to do this, don't do it. Nobody forces you to do it or to even work with a teacher. It's entirely your choice.

[@lauc62]

The essence is lost in the form... rituals

[@BrysonKeenan]

lauc62 Only understanding the form allows one to discard it...

[@unrealugn]

lauc62 The form is, in itself, empty. It's simply there to cultivate mindfulness and attention in practice.

[@chrisnamaste3572]

+Bryson Keenan Assuming there is only one way. For the discarded form see Stephen Batchelor.

[@chrisnamaste3572]

+unrealugn If the form is empty then why is it essential?

[@ZenAndPsychedelicHealingCenter]

@@chrisnamaste3572 Stephen couldn't cut it as a monk and left several traditions. He's not awake and isn't recognized or authorized in any sense as a teacher. He says some good things sure but he also isn't very clear and is in the business of selling books, not waking up.

[@danielpinojr.8312]

So glad I'm a solitary practitioner. So much blah blah blah and nonsense! 😩

[@SonofSethoitae]

Practicing in a community is beneficial. And Zen ritual has its purpose; the intention is to cultivate mindfulness. Too many western students assume a superior attitude without any consideration for the intention surrounding the practices.

[@ZenAndPsychedelicHealingCenter]

One of the Three Jewels is Sangha - community and it's there for a reason. There is no solitary practice that works unless you, at least sometimes, practice along with others and with a teacher. If you believe otherwise, then you're just kidding yourself.