Need some help

Hagakure_irl

Hi, my names Jonathan, over the past year or so, i've sort of been questioning a lot of things. And Buddhism appeals to me because of its nature. I also want to find for want of a better word, relaxtion in my life, trying to free myself of attachments that are causing suffering.

For the past 2 months, i've been trying to read about Buddhism on sites like Wikipedia etc, and then Theravada, Mahayana etc, trying to understand differences, and to be honest i was extremely confused but yesterday i found information on Zazen, and it appealed to me very much, something about what i was reading felt right. It was mainly the history, and a question asked " What is Zen? ".

Anyway what getting to is, and i'm not really sure if its the right question or i'm even asking it the correct way, but i want to take Zazen into my life, how do i go about doing that?

Thank you in advance, any advice is greatly appreciated.

18AD

With my brief encounters with Zen, I find that, in my experience, there are underlying frameworks to how it works which never really seem to be stated quite matter-of-factly. These underlying frameworks, or beliefs or whatever you wanna call them, have thoroughly enhanced my day-to-day life.

The wrameforks:
You're ego doesn't exist.
'You' are one with the universe.
Unification of opposites.
Awareness.

I'm sure there's more I can't remember or have missed completely but they're the most important to me at the moment. They're surprisingly hard to do and take no effort at all.
Funny, though, how I had read of all these concepts many times over for a couple of years and I guess they kinda made sense, but you really have to live/feel it. Figure it out in your own way/context.

Here's a nice list of Koans for your enjoyment:
http://deoxy.org/koan/random

Also good:
http://www.alanwattspodcast.com/

Asiaprod

Hi Jonathan,
Welcome to our little corner of the Universe. I have been a Buddhist now for over 20 years. I became one for exactly the reasons you stated. I too wanted peace and harmony in my life. I had been a Catholic, but I could find no answers to the questions I had. I was introduced by a friend, and have never for one moment regretted choosing this path. I am a Mahayana Buddhist so I can not really answer your questions about Zen. If you wait a little one of our Zen friends I am sure will be along to answer them for you.
I do agree with what 18AD said "Funny, though, how I had read of all these concepts many times over for a couple of years and I guess they kinda made sense, but you really have to live/feel it."
You really do have to begin to live Buddhism for it to mean anything. Please feel free to ask questions on this forum. Though there are many sects of Buddhism, in general, we all seem to adhere to the same principles.

scojones

Hagakure_irl wrote:

Anyway what getting to is, and i'm not really sure if its the right question or i'm even asking it the correct way, but i want to take Zazen into my life, how do i go about doing that?

Thank you in advance, any advice is greatly appreciated.

Hi Hagakure_irl, and welcome to our little forum!

To take Zazen into your life you simply have to practise it. In order to do that you have to read about it, its technique and how to go about adding Zazen to your daily life. It's a learning experience, but the more you practise Zazen the more you will see the benefits of it, providing you are doing it correctly. Do you have any specific questions regarding Zazen?

Have a look here for a meditation guide on Zazen: http://www.zenguide.com/zenmedia/books/chapters.cfm?t=zazen_meditation_guide

scojones

18AD wrote:

Here's a nice list of Koans for your enjoyment:
http://deoxy.org/koan/random

I really like this one: http://deoxy.org/koan/22

My Heart Burns Like Fire

Soyen Shaku, the first Zen teacher to come to America, said: "My heart burns like fire but my eyes are as cold as dead ashes." He made the following rules which he practiced every day of his life.

In the morning before dressing, light incense and meditate.

Retire at a regular hour. Partake of food at regular intervals. Eat with moderation and never to the point of satisfaction.

Receive a guest with the same attitude you have when alone. When alone, maintain the same attitude you have in receiving guests.

Watch what you say, and whatever you say, practice it.

When an opportunity comes do not let it pass by, yet always think twice before acting.

Do not regret the past. Look to the future.

Have the fearless attitude of a hero and the loving heart of a child.

Upon retiring, sleep as if you had entered your last sleep. Upon awakening, leave your bed behind you instantly as if you had cast away apair of old shoes.

Hagakure_irl

Thank you all for your words i'm very grateful for your responses.

Ah all your words have definately made me feel much better and more confident with this process. The sites are all amazing, i throughly enjoyed the Koan site and the Alan Watts site is also very nice!

Ahh and the guide is amazing, i've been searching for a good guide but not found one quite like that one. It will defiantely help me.

I still haven't made a final choice on which path to take, however your words have helped me, i'm sick at the moment, suffering with my Sinus'. So its a great time for me to read and research a bit more. Although i'll let you know of my progress after i am better.

Thank you again.

Bodhidharma

If your interested in Zen buddhism, see my namesake. He is the guy you want to know about.

scojones

Hagakure_irl wrote:

Thank you all for your words i'm very grateful for your responses.

Ah all your words have definately made me feel much better and more confident with this process. The sites are all amazing, i throughly enjoyed the Koan site and the Alan Watts site is also very nice!

Ahh and the guide is amazing, i've been searching for a good guide but not found one quite like that one. It will defiantely help me.

I still haven't made a final choice on which path to take, however your words have helped me, i'm sick at the moment, suffering with my Sinus'. So its a great time for me to read and research a bit more. Although i'll let you know of my progress after i am better.

Thank you again.

No problem at all. Thanks for stopping by and please don't be afraid to ask more questions! Get well soon. Sinus illness can be unpleasant. Don't forget to check out the recommended reading thread. Alot of the contents are not related to Zen Buddhism, but it makes for some great reading.