How to Meditate

In Buddhism, the main path to liberation is meditation, or, as it’s called in Zen, zazen, seated meditation. John Daido Loori Roshi, Zuisei’s first teacher, used to say, “Zazen is not contemplation, it’s not meditation, it’s not concentration. It’s not quieting the mind or focusing the mind. Zazen is a way of using your mind. It’s a way of living your life and doing so with other people.” He meant that zazen is not about being quiet. It’s not just about concentration or even insight. Zazen is about being close—to ourselves, to one another, to our lives, and the world. This is the only way that zazen works to free us and others.

We offer here Beginning Instruction in zazen to get you started with a home practice, but if you’re new to zazen or the Ocean Mind Sangha, we encourage you to join us during a Wednesday Evening and to let Zuisei know you’d like to receive instruction and an orientation.

We look forward to practicing with you.

*Banner photo by George Dagerotip
Listen to audio or watch a video of step by step instruction for sitting silent Zen Buddhist meditation with Guiding Teacher Zuisei Goddard.