Zen Meditation Instruction (How to Meditate)

Zen Meditation Instruction from Yokoji Zen Mountain Center (www.zmc.org), a Zen Buddhist Training Center located in the Southern California mountains. Instruction is given on how to sit zazen (seated meditation) in various positions - full lotus, cross legged, using a chair; also tips on breathing and how to go in to and out of meditation periods.

[@alexanderadavar6439]

10 years old and this is still the clearest most to the point video I've found on this

[@croftperkins]

Can confirm. Lol

[@danielfraser353]

This is a classic. Great presentation of the tradition!

[@bike4aday]

It's perfect

[@Fuego958]

Good luck on your journey.

[@MrKoenio]

I agree 🙏🏻

[@udesharampola4749]

Listening to this video is like a meditation. Zero minutes wasted.

[@raybellows9851]

That's not how zazen works.

[@alekx58]

Importante meaning

[@alekx58]

Important note

[@djotsirave6109]

I live in a household that would "Mock" these sort of things. So its very hard to keep my head clear. But some day I wish for Zen to be apart of my everyday life. Thanks for this video it realy helped with my posture when meditating

[@buttgoomagoo6408]

Dj Otsirave don't let ANYTHING stop you from your meditation!! I've been mocked since high school for meditation (30 Years ago!!) but I knew I was on to something important and good...where are those ""mockers" now?? fat and miserable!!! while I have continued my practices and have LOADS of energy and insights...just do your meditation fellow practicioner and let others mock...GOOD LUCK

[@djotsirave6109]

:) Yeah I've been a little more open. But I feel I need more time. But thanks. I also wish to lean Tai-Chi

[@suelzer1]

Now

[@tomthumb9839]

Dj Otsirave I have been meditating for 30 years and this video is bullshit. There is nothing mystical or sacred about meditating. Meditation is simply slowing down the thoughts which brings peace. Why do people insist on making something so helpful into something sacred? It's stupid.

[@yosephs6503]

they just mock themself for being ignorance, i was shy to initiate meditating in my home but ill just do it daily and later its just like an another usual day. nothing special.

[@noself7889]

I am returning to zazen after ten years of not doing meditation. I meditated ten years daily and experienced the best ten years in my adult life. Life, stress and anxiety caught up to me and I gave up all my practices. Ten years later I am suffering addictions, anxiety and health issues. It is time to clean up my life again and return to Zazen. 🙏☸️☯️ I am a redhead and us redheads are not limber. Maybe someday I can get half lotus if I’m lucky.

[@ommanipadmehum3143]

For the liberation of all sentient beings

[@andreg3861]

all beings

[@ZmcOrgYokoji]

@bluefishbrad: Your mind naturally thinks, that is its function. Perhaps you would be able to stop it if you really tried, but this isn't the purpose of meditation. When thoughts arise, notice them, but don't follow them. Each time, just go back to the sensation or counting of the breath. The breath is the anchor to which to can always go back when you notice you have gotten caught up in thoughts. While meditating, put thought on one side, over and over, as each thought arises. See what remains.

[@freedelahoya9636]

How long do you recommend to meditate each day?I have started meditating a few days ago,and I think it’s best that if a have a stable time to do it ,it will help me survive school.

[@therealnathandrake]

The idea of zen meditation is to not think about anything but focus on breathing well not really focus on that but it's just to help you clear your mind and relieve stress because you lose the thought that was stressing you out. It's weird but once you master it you'll have a better focus and understanding of things in the world

[@lexnuss791]

Buddhist practice is about ending suffering, so just get comfortable and observe your mind and body as one...

[@waedjradi]

This will immensely change your life, if you are a novice to Zazen. Excellent video. 😌🙏❤️

[@sethfisher484]

I've sat through so many sub par meditation instruction videos looking for something I can recommend to people. This is beautiful. Everything a beginning meditator needs to know and nothing they don't in under 8 minutes. Thank you.

[@ZmcOrgYokoji]

You can, and many people benefit from doing so. It's a matter of choice and experimenting with what helps you. Consider that with any technique, there is also a limiting factor inherent in it. Zazen is different than many other meditations in that it is the direct experience of our life as it is, not dependent on circumstances or cultivated environments.

[@willburr5929]

I'm lucky to be able to sit in seiza for fairly long periods. I think it's the most symmetrical position. After 6 years of zen, my legs still go numb, however. Getting up is difficult, but no permanent harm done.

[@earthwaterairspiritfireleb5482]

im just trying to be grateful for everything that ive benefitted from in my life, theres too much good to complain. Everything is divine. this has been the best day of my life

[@jeffdawson7841]

Offtopic here but beautiful woodworking in the background and an amazing wooden statue on the shelf, a calming and peaceful view outside with a clean and homey environment inside. Would love to meditate in such a place!

[@ratanbarua5958]

Buddhist Meditation is very important for human beings . It helps us to control our mind so I think, everyone should practies meditation.

[@channelimusingforjapanes-rj6yg]

This practice changed my life. I can't thank you enough.

[@ZmcOrgYokoji]

@BGlogowski: part 2 of 2: However, we tend to be "thought addicts", relying on the logical mind to interpret an illogical experience. In practical terms when sitting zazen and thinking occurs, resist the urge to follow the thought trail and construct a story. This separates us from the experience of our environment and strengthens the illusion of a separate defined self. Rather experience the thought, do not add to it, and return attention to your current practice, such as counting the breath.

[@aphrospice]

I love how simple this was. Not just the instruction but the meditation itself. Thank you for including posture for sitting in a chair, sitting or kneeling on the floor was one thing that stop me from even trying. With that, I was able to follow along the rest of the video from my computer chair, positing and arranding myself in such a way that was natural and better posture. By the end of this video I was meditating using your counts! Thank you!

[@sankasanka8812]

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[@ericarnow240]

Nice, no fluff, no fancy music. Just the basic instruction.

[@jv.9728]

I loved staying at the center. Thanks for such a deep experience. Meditation was kicked up a notch after that retreat.

[@aaronbcallaghan]

I have just started reading about Zen and I've started meditating, specifically zazen and this has been very helpful. Thank you

[@berliyoz]

😂 I am practicing zen for the last 20 years or so. Now I was ready to check out the meditation included in it. The first video in Google brought here, to a guy that gives the vibe of a technician and explain that seating in lotus will be fine, or half a lotus or... you know what... just sit. And the eyes... just eyes... and breathing... just breathing. I was laughing a few times while watching the whole video - because I felt I have found the right video. O zen... you always look the same but with different strokes 😂

[@janegregory4637]

Nice! I also like meditation. 💚❤️ With my meditating I have personally appreciated watching lots of Spiritual Master Sri Avinash lately. #SriAvinashMeditation I have found Sri Avinash's Satsangs very beautiful and helpful to my life. 🤲

[@user-ft3ot3yt1u]

Absolutely one of the best instructional meditation videos I have ever seen.

[@eileenwhite5792]

Thank you! Excellent presentation, such a clear explanation of sitting.

[@Matcha4Me]

There’s nothing to achieve here. Ordinary heart is the way ❤

[@FreeFlow__]

Meditation is not something we do, meditation is what we are.

[@komodo_id]

Thanks for the video. Loved to practice Zazen for the better life. ❤ Greetings from Komodo Island.

[@Gamster420]

This is very good. I enjoy meditating outdoors. I think getting a fixed spot indoors with "a shrine" might be a good motivation to meditate indoors. I also love the sound of those meditation bowls.

[@tonidjakic]

Thank you for explaining this basics. I go in zazen now.

[@lunarious87]

I'm 32 and starting to see the value of relaxed meditation, i like to see myself as warrior whom all lives with tension (no catarsis) while doing what they see right. In New Age i'm called Lightworker. I've always repeatedly tried to meditate, with the tension of desire. Life is suffering because we don't see there is no positivity, there is just emptiness, neither negativity. As warrior i chose the negative camp, and fought fiercly defensively (as Believer i'm intelligently defensive and not pacifist, neither agressive) with the whole universe backing me up, because defensive i am, it's called defence department not offence department. I am in position (and although i've lost my strength in the process) to claim divinity with authority because what I say is the law. This is not wishful thinking. And yeah, maybe i'm a Deva (i've usually called myself Ashura) or actually a Bodhisatva of Zen destinied to die because of perfection. And i have nearly died many times, recently by jumping from a car in full speed, defensively. Except i survived, so theoretically i'm as Amitaba. But i won't release my arrow. My mother technically expects me to be a monk, although in Islam it is forbidden to not get married (i'm muslim). Will I be another Buddha who comes and goes? Not leaving anything behind?

[@lunarious87]

@Forever Spring I don't agree. But I'll die for your Right to say what you mean. I Pray Allah grants me a Wife or more (likely not group sex) and makes me a Leader. I've meditated and done alot and Witnessed No Thing ... I am not saying I SAW No Thing, but that there is No Thing (I'm Half-God like Inuyasha) except Allah, and what he gives me and not. I Love you.

[@lunarious87]

@Forever Spring kzbin.info/www/bejne/fn7Cl56teadgjsk

[@lunarious87]

@Forever Spring kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKCudn2QjsuUitk ... My Wife maybe 8) If she,s Honor me

[@cluck_cluck]

Thank you for this wonderfully clear and concise video. Brilliant! 🙏🧘🏻‍♂️ 🙏

[@achuthosur6113]

Beautiful illustration simple to practice

[@mallikarjun.d5561]

Thank you sir for wonderful information 🙏

[@asktheanswer424]

wise to meditate often

[@ladyflexana]

My day get a new start whit you as master teaching the way to zazen. Thank you.

[@beditations]

Excellent... looking forward to watch more, namaste!!

[@sgspartan3353]

@Adam Ski Impressive. You managed to insult a person online. Kudos to you!

[@adriennecarlson6739]

Thank you for the advice about counting on the exhale and how to hold the eyes. Your video is very well done and soothing.

[@DVu-ki7nn]

Simple, clear and good enough to do Zen meditation, thanks for your video.

[@gabrielvieiracoelho394]

Really happy this is out there for people to view. Keep it up.

[@smileforyourself4303]

Gabriel Vieira Coelho, do once watch if u prefer, a quest for new life - Three Genius | Triguna | Svyasa International yoga film |2017| /Q3gohvCjDn4 findable on youtube!

[@bogsika9465]

Thank you so much

[@ZmcOrgYokoji]

@BGlogowski: part 1 of 2: That's a very pertinent question, perhaps the trickiest to answer and very subtle to practice. In zazen we do not conjure up things to think about, and neither do we attempt to cut off thinking. The practice is to see what is here and experience our life in it's totality. This includes all the senses and thinking. Thoughts are the secretions of the mind. Like any other organ it serves a vital purpose.

[@ZmcOrgYokoji]

@timcondi Funny you should ask that... check back in the first week of November and we'll have (hopefully) a few new videos posted, one of which will approach that question.

[@isaiahbraugher9342]

You people are a godsend.

[@nigelmartin7387]

Thank you ,clear and precise.🙏

[@NancyFrankeWilson]

This is a wonderful video. It was clear and easy. Thank you.

[@FitnessKarateAcademy]

Thank you very much Master it was really instructional and helpful for me and everyone. Awesome job.❤

[@JimLakey]

Historically, the Soto school and Rinzai school are two branches of Chinese Zen or Cha'an, the Soto school founded by Masters Sozan and Tozan and the Rinzai school founded by Master Rinzai. There are many more similarities than differences between the two branches. Here at Yokoji we are a Soto temple but the founder, Maezumi Roshi received dharma transmission in both Soto and Rinzai lineages, so we incorporate elements of both.

[@mariofrndz3336]

She is hot 🙏🏻❤️

[@thynaruto]

She is so still i thought its an image

[@jonsmans]

Love this video. Thank you for sharing!

[@sleslie23]

Nice introduction to Zazen. Thanks for taking the time to create the video.

[@topicsandopinions5818]

💕 frm India!!

[@ToanNguyen-hu9hq]

Sigh...I started trying full lotus, just the sitting alone, nothing about meditation yet, about 20+ years ago. And that thing alone I still am not able to do it now. But I wont give up even Im 60 now. There are warm-ups to do to open up your hip joints, knee joints... that Im trying now, hopefully that'll help.

[@jaimelannister2172]

Well i evaporate it throughout the whole day and stop 2/1,5 hours before i go to sleep (dont like to go to bed while under influence plus i still sleep better), I try to keep it at a maximum of one day per two weeks.

[@schlaackmusic]

Thank you! This is very helpful.

[@wolfmoondad]

Practical and covered all of my questions. Thanks!

[@zirconce]

Thanks a lot for the video. You were very clear and concise. Thanks!

[@meditationzero6143]

awesome video xx💓

[@jacquirhinton2622]

In "gassho" thank you for posting this video full of good simple tips to use during practice.

[@hereisalfi]

Thank you 🙏💕

[@Civilaliabedi]

Thanks for helping

[@redmoon8217]

Love it Zen Scouser!

[@jakenguyen6340]

thank you for your instruction!!! really helpful

[@mojo5093]

phuc u

[@ShatteredRippleBooks]

Very helpful video Thankyou

[@matisyahup613]

the goal of meditation is to focus and be aware of our thoughts and emotional states, not about tweaking our seating position by moving a foot this way or that. Yes I think the starting position can affect the mental state, but the mental aspect of meditation was not explained in this video.

[@prestolapointe7036]

This is a greatly done and elaborate, yet straight to the point video. I just wish they talked about how to sit on Seiza Benches. Like for example I went to a meditation center. They instructed me to hang my feet off of the Zabuton. Which really helps when using some Seiza benches. Seeing that they can be made a couple of different ways. I am always looking for more opinions and out looks. So maybe I would of learned something that I didn't know or think of. Regardless, great video if you intend on using a Zafu! Peace be upon you everyone!

[@flattie2107]

Ben Shanson Meditation Tips (Thank You)

[@fernandoorozco5968]

Thank you

[@vytautaskunevicius9731]

during counting there are many different thoughts and feelings, witches interferences in to counting. if this destroys counting, you must begin from one again. thinking, of the meditation beginners, is very active and goes, beside counting, as independent stream of thoughts. right way is to see that process, like you see clouds in sky, but don't to feed, that thoughts, with your attention, and to keep, does not matter what thoughts are, good or bad, interesting or bore and so on, your concentration on counting. till only counting in your mind. if so, you are ready to begin the practice of just sitting - shikan tadza. right state of mind, in the meditation, is the main moment.

[@sharonparlett9311]

Thank you so much for this very useful video.

[@fightington]

what about if you are 'stuck' on ocd thoughts? is the instruction to notice the thoughts? another problem that arises is that there is the idea that the thought is very important. excellent video, very well shot and has very clear instructions

[@canalfavoritos]

Thank you for the video, it has been really helpful to remember the basics after a long period without meditating. I´m sure your courses are wonderful.

[@borisbarrois1281]

Well made video, thank you

[@alekx58]

Thank you For the upload

[@alekx58]

Shui xa Zen kuo bi keng shen

[@alekx58]

Wie alles können kotau Beispiel Körper Geräusch un verstanden

[@alekx58]

Wang Wang ong

[@user-sz4gg9bv9w]

Love your clear explanation.! Thanks

[@derasor]

Great instructional video. Thank you very much. Liked and suscribed! Can´t wait to put in practice all that I´ve learned here. Thank you!

[@Alexkiplivelight]

Great video! Thanks!

[@sushmitasutradhar4880]

Surprisingly I did most of all unknowingly 😳

[@Akuryoutaisan21]

Thankyou.

[@sarag1158]

I have scoliosis. I need to have something to support my back. One of the turnoffs of standard meditation, as I believed it, was the idea of sitting with my back and supported for any extended period of time. It's just too painful.

[@ldyshkspr]

i like this video you are very precise!

[@mikef2813]

Very helpful.

[@crookedhorizon]

Thank you.

[@oldtimeoutlaw]

Thank you for this amazing vid. Much appreciated. Thank you for your time and energy. Peace

[@victorkerr7535]

Thanks

[@TheRealSlobo]

Love the video thAnks

[@madgoldnz]

Thank-you, this is great!

[@MrALarranaga]

Great video!

[@TheKingTywinLannister]

I am sure his Apron was a way to disturb us to find strength in us to ignore it.

[@changgyong]

In Japanese Zen mostly not much is said about historical and spiritual surroundings of zazen or sitting meditation. Was wondering if this was not similar as if we spoke in merely technical terms about the perfect and correct posture during a lets say Catholic ritual. Would like to wish good luck for all the activities of the Zen Center.

[@davereid-daly2205]

Good one, thanks !

[@petewhitcroft500]

In Zazen meditation technique, is my understanding correct that it is like Vipassana but the awareness is focused on the sensation of the breath and the fact you are counting your breaths serves only to 'label' your breaths - just like in many meditation techniques you 'label' your distractions? If you are focused on the sensation of the breath, what are the limits of that area of awareness? Air moving into your lungs, your chest moving, and brushing against the sides of your nose - like an expanded form of anapana technique, or am I totally misinterpreting the instructions I've read and seen? Note - this is a specific question about Zazen for my own academic understanding. I am not asking 'how to meditate' - I do a different meditation technique, which I arrived at after 8 years of experiments with variations. The multiple books I have read about Zen have not answered this question for me and neither has KZbin.

[@divyap2394]

May i know the meditation technique that you practice i am kinda struggling to find one for me 🙏🏽

[@SunLizard-u3k]

Amen

[@ProductionBandit]

before i watched this video, i was usually meditating with my eyes closed after a few mins, i would feel that i begin to almost vibrate and my eyes automatically change to a half open position where a very blissful state with no thoughts takes over me what exactly is going on here?

[@incinium2089]

ProductionBandit Sounds to me like an astral projection.

[@momentofclarityx1080]

Stay of the drugs

[@Ty-13]

Fallin asleep

[@Alan001013]

Keeping your eyes closed keeps the smoke out. THC is not good for the eyes but produces the blissful state you achieve!

[@arubianopuro6624]

You were close to astral projecting

[@jimson9297]

Wow what a Kamidana you got there. Amazing!

[@SonofSethoitae]

It's a Butsudan, not a kamidana.

[@jamieb0nd]

Her hands are in the wrong position. The shape of her hands must be "neither mountain nor valley" that is to say that her fingers must be neither bent or folded and form a kind of straight middle area. The full zazen sitting position can be achieved with practice, after it is not such an effort as is the breathing technique, I have been practising for over 30 years. Your head must be pushing the sky while your knees dig into the ground with your soles facing the sky. I taught myself from a book called secrets of a zen master. If you do it properly it will stay with you for years. I practice 20 minutes a day.

[@drakekent1661]

Can you listen to calming music while you meditate?

[@mcneilohara1463]

not for zazen

[@lewskaanen812]

4:42 ill never forget that time i was kicked out of a za zen meeting for drooling

[@savumies]

Many thanks. The gentleman reminds me of young Alan Watts :)

[@eternalwarrior9642]

Nice!