Zen Awareness Meditation Practice
Awareness meditation practices are used in a variety of settings for physical,
mental and spiritual growth and healing. A basic awareness meditation practice
consists of assuming a meditation posture (sitting on a chair, cushion or bench)
and learning to follow the breath and observe thoughts. As each person
experiments with his or her practice, a teacher provides feedback and
guidance. The sitting meditation is done alone each day or with a group. The
skills are adaptable and gradually apply to all of the events of daily life.
An awareness meditation practice, though rooted in the Buddhist tradition, is
compatible with other religious traditions. As each individual becomes more
attuned to his or her thought processes, body sensations and interactions with
other people and the environment, he or she may understand and express this
life experience in Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist or other terms. Yamada
Roshi observed that we all drink the same cup of tea, whether we are Buddhist or
Christian. The Zen practitioner learns to fully experience drinking a cup
of tea, and to become aware of what prevents us from appreciating these simple
activities.
Awareness meditation methods can also be used by those who have no
particular affiliation. Increased awareness of self and others, though seemingly
simple, results in time--like water dripping on stone--in a profound
transformation of the person.
-Deborah Barrett
mindfulness meditation in Southern California
