Seiza is required for zazen in beginners like myself (I have only
9 years aquaintenace and practice) its meant to be physically
uncomfortable but surmountable. Just last year, I was able to stay
in seiza for 60 minutes. Getting the posture correct is important for
physiological reasons related to your breathing and serenity.
One works on breathing, controlled breathing till it becomes
'natural' it of course is not natural just practiced enough so that
you don't htink about it. Count to seven on the inhale, count to
ten on the exhale. Focus generally on a small area in front of you
although you can do this eyes closed.
Next, place your hands on your lap one on each thigh palms down or
hold them together so the hands form a circle with an opening about
2" in the center. Imaging of the air breathed in as fog is helpful
to me, a mantra like 'ommmmm' is not.
When you get these form issues undercontrol, try thinking of
nothing. Munen Muso or the mind of no -mind, is essential part of
zen practice. Weird things happen if you can access this level.
Perception of all sides becomes evident, and solutions, though not
perfect by any means result come quickly. It is munen muso that is
the warrior's state, it is the essence of human beings where action
results not from thought.
This is not mental trickery, its a physiological activity with mental
acuity. The self-discipline of doing it is not easy. Essentially,
you become a teacher of yourself--a disciple of your being.
I'd be glad to answer any other questions via the back channel on
this mental 'framework'. It's best to get a teacher to learn the
form of this. A good asian martial artist can teach you, as can many
buddhist priests if you happen to have a temple in the area (Hawaii
has plenty of both).
Charles Barclay 2404 Maile Way
Dept. of Mgmt & Ind Relations Honolulu, HI 96822
University of Hawaii Fax: 808 956-2774
barclay@busadm1.cba.hawaii.edu Phone: 808 956-8545
"The marketplace is much too Darwinian to permit that much
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working together in management decisions for foreign operations.
BusinessWeek 1994 Special Issue--21st Century Capitalism