Deep Zen Meditation

Different Techniques in Zen Meditation

There are many techniques used in Zen meditation. Emptying your mind, concentrating on your breathing, targeting chakra are some of the most important techniques. You can follow any techniques that you are comfortable with. However, it is believed that any meditation technique does not benefit you if you feel tired or in a depressed mood.  

A sampling of some Zen meditation techniques follows:


1) Counting each breath is said to be the best method in Zen meditation for beginners. It is a great practice that helps to know yourself. You need to sit comfortably in a calm place and begin with one exhalation. Count that exhalation as one. Then count inhaling as 2. Counting silently is preferable. Count up to 10 and then start back at 1. It is advisable to start back at one whenever you lose track of your counting. Practicing this technique for 15 minutes daily can be really beneficial. Once you get more familiar with the technique, you can practice twice a day.
 

2) Following the breath is yet another powerful technique in Zen meditation. This is almost similar to the first method. However, you need not count your breath here. Instead, simply follow the breath. It is important not to control the breath in this technique. Even if your mind wavers, you need to go back your breath. This method is more efficient than counting. You can get better concentration under this Zen meditation technique.

 
3) Koan practice is the most commonly used meditation technique by Zen Buddhists. They practice Koan in sitting and walking meditation; the Buddhist monks can practice koan throughout all the activities of regular life. Practically speaking, Koan is a story or dialogue related to Zen history. This activity typically takes the form of anecdote that involves early Chinese Zen Gurus. Koan is used to test the student’s progress in Zen practice. This method is very powerful and brings about a change in a natural way. It requires more practice with the help of a great master. If there is no special answer to a koan, then the practitioner is expected to express his understandings through responses. 
 

4) Repeating your thoughts is a valuable practice in Zen meditation. Before starting to do this practice, it is worth it to avoid any clues about what you are thinking throughout the day. The technique is indeed simple. You just need to repeat each thought you have. If you repeat the thoughts without realizing it, then you can notice the linear thought patterns. It is advisable not to stop repeating the thoughts. 
 

5) A walking meditation technique is very useful in relieving stress in the legs. You just need to walk slowly and notice your footsteps and breathing. You can practice this type of meditation whenever you want a break. 

 
6) Shinkantaza is another type of Zen meditation technique. It literally involves not doing anything. This is however really difficult to practice. The Zen meditation techniques offer exciting benefits like openness to life, a sense of happiness, stress reduction, more concentration, improved positive thinking and getting inner strength. Deep levels of Zen meditation helps to get clean blood and you are able to heal the body easily. Zen techniques are more useful in treating addictions. 
 

Zen meditation techniques require alertness and concentration. It is beneficial to avoid doing after big meals.

 

Learn more about Deep Zen  today and enjoy the benefits of  meditation!