| If you had to pinpoint one thing that is essential in the | | | | resemble a pretzel in this position and it is definitely a |
| Buddhist practice it would have to be meditation. It is a | | | | hard one to attain when you are just starting out. If you |
| deep breathing exercise that works to clear stress | | | | have joint pains, then this may not be the best position |
| and helps focus concentration. Many people mistakenly | | | | for you to sit in. In that case you need to sit |
| believe that meditation only involves taking deep | | | | comfortably in a chair with your feet firmly planted and |
| breaths but there is more to Zen meditation than just | | | | your shoulders squarely aligned with the rest of your |
| that. The practice of Buddhist meditation is one as old | | | | body. |
| as the religion itself and it plays a fundamental role in | | | | The final part of the Buddhist meditation ritual is your |
| achieving balance and harmony in a person's life. | | | | breathing and concentration. Begin by taking in deep |
| If you are going to practice Zen meditation, then you | | | | breaths through your nose and slowly exhaling the |
| are going to have to use the zazen. The zazen is all | | | | breath from your mouth. At the same time, clear your |
| of the positions, breathing and mind clearing exercises | | | | thoughts and be mindful of what your body is telling |
| that every Buddhist uses. The Tibetan Buddhist and | | | | you. |
| even the simple Nichiren Buddhist monk practice | | | | Try to slow your breathing down and begin focusing |
| zazen. Before you begin you need to understand that | | | | on clearing your mind. It is perfectly fine if you have |
| there are some steps that must be performed before | | | | intrusive thoughts. Now is the time to acknowledge |
| the meditating can start. | | | | them and then let them go. It is a process of finding |
| The first step in Buddhist meditation is to find your | | | | peace within yourself and letting go of your stressors. |
| position. This can be one of several positions. The | | | | Zen meditation is something that everyone can attain if |
| Burmese position is where the legs are folded and the | | | | the time is taken to learn how to perform meditation |
| feet both touch the floor. The best way to be in the | | | | properly. No, you may never have the concentration of |
| Lotus or Half Lotus position is to have your backside | | | | a Buddhist monk but give yourself some time. It is a |
| elevated on a special pillow, which will allow you to sit | | | | learning experience and you will acquire new |
| freely but with your legs positioned correctly. You can | | | | knowledge as you undertake some of the Buddhist |
| find this pillow online or in many specialty shops. | | | | studies. You do not have to embrace the religion |
| The Lotus or Half Lotus position involves sitting on the | | | | totally, yet you can find peace and tranquility through |
| floor with your legs folded up on one another. You will | | | | Buddhist teachings. |