" This very body is the Buddha. " - Hakuin Zenji " The mind that is not relative is silent. With a truly silent mind, the self is forgotten, and the myriad things are our own essential nature. This is not a relatively quiet condition, but the peace that passes all understanding. Forgetting the self is not a matter of getting rid of the self; in fact, realization is a matter of seeing yourself more clearly. What do you see? As the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara tells you when you recite 'The Heart Sutra', all those things that bind you together are empty. There is nothing to hold on to at all, and so you are free to give your attention to what is happening in the ephemeral world. " - Robert Aitken Roshi       1. Zazen Shikantaza : just sitting. In kanji : shikan : to dedicate oneself uniquely, to give oneself entirely; ta : to touch, za : the great sitting posture. To touch, through correct sitting, the pure, original mind that exists in each of us, often obscured by our thoughts and the emotional storms which perturb us. "If you understand that zazen is the great gate of the law, you will be like the dragon piercing the water or the tiger re-entering the deep forest."   (Master Dogen XIIIth century)   2. The Posture   "If someone asks what true Zen is, it is not necessary to open your mouth to explain. Show him all the aspects of your zazen posture. Then the spring wind will blow and open the wonderful plum blossom." (Daichi Sokei 1290 - 1366)     It is important to understand the different aspects of Zen posture, so as not to force the body into a rigidly immobile position that goes against its natural physiology. The posture is balance and relaxation in verticality. The position of the pelvis is key. It is best to sit in the middle of the zafu (round cushion whose thickness depends on the sitter's flexibility), on the ischia, so that the pelvis is stabilized by the knees' contact with the floor. The legs are in the lotus or half-lotus position. Correctly positioning the pelvis and determining the thickness of the zafu enables the spine to be directed skyward without creating harmful tensions in the upper back or between vertebrae and allows the head to be naturally straight. The shoulders, ribcage and abdomen are relaxed in order to allow for free and easy breathing. The eyes are half-closed, and lowered to the floor at a 45° angle. The wrists are placed on the upper thighs. The fingers of the left hand are placed on top of the fingers of the right, palms upward; above this, the thumbs touch with a firm but light contact, forming a continuous line. The edges of the hands touch the abdomen. During zazen, vigilant attention should be paid to each detail, as well as to the breathing. This way, the mind is brought back to the body and unity is achieved. Thoughts are no longer strung along one after the other. They appear, because it is their nature to do so, but if attention is maintained or returned to the posture, they disappear without a trace. Naturally and unconsciously, personal will ceases to act and seek a goal. Only the present moment remains. It is impossible to see your own posture and easy to be deluded about your own practice. It is highly recommended that you not practice alone and that you receive advice from an experienced practitioner in a dojo ("hall of the Way").     3. Breathing "Our exhalation is the whole universe's exhalation. Our inhalation is the whole universe's inhalation. In this way, in every moment, we accomplish the great unlimited work. Having this attitude means making every misfortune disappear and creates absolute happiness." (Kodo Sawaki 1880 - 1965) During zazen, correct breathing is essential. It is peaceful and establishes a slow, powerful and natural rhythm. The exhalation is long and deep. Masters have often compared it to a cow's mooing. The inhalation, somewhat shorter, happens naturally. The body is strengthened and the brain reinvigorated, and blood circulation is renewed. This slow, calm and deep exhalation sweeps away our mental complications. The mind becomes as clear as a cloudless sky.   4. Mental Attitude and Awareness "When the mind does not dwell on anything, true mind appears." The Diamond Sutra Just as proper breathing can only come from a correct posture, the mind's attitude flows naturally from a deep concentration on the posture and breathing. In zazen, images, thoughts and mental constructs rise up from the unconscious, pass like clouds in the sky and vanish naturally. When personal thoughts are not encouraged, the awareness which is beyond thought and non-thought appears. This is returning to the mind's original condition. Master Wanshi said, "When, in silence, every word is forgotten, It appears before you with clarity." "It" is the reality of our lives in unity with the whole universe. When we do not try to attain the truth or cut our illusions, when we do not run away from or run after anything, dualistic consciousness is quieted. We learn to know ourselves and harmonize with the true nature of our existence. A great inner freedom is realized.   5. Zazen and Physiology Zazen strengthens our physiological processes. It strengthens several features of the human posture: the lumbar lordosis (the natural curve in the lower back), the position of the head and neck (chin tucked), the thumb's opposition to the other fingers, the extension of the knee. These are the areas most prone to rheumatism if we do not recall their function on a regular basis. Cerebral electrogenesis is influenced by zazen. Though the eyes are open, the rhythm which is characteristic of restorative periods in the sleep cycle appears during meditation. The breathing, which encourages stability in the diaphragm and the perineum, allows the posture to be maintained with minimal muscular effort and encourages internal circulation in the organs and brain.   6. Zazen's Influence on Our Lives "In our disturbed world, practicing zazen means coming back to the human being's true dimension and rediscovering the fundamental balance of our existence." Taisen Deshimaru (1914 - 1982) Zazen influences our entire being, body and mind. With regular practice, our understanding of our own life deepens. This understanding is then reflected in every daily action. When our mind remains in harmony with zazen mind in all of life's actions, then our actions are naturally right. As in zazen, we can be totally present in the moment, in the fullness of here and now. Our minds are pacified, without complications, calculations or fear. Egoism diminishes and we follow the flow of cosmic life more naturally. In this way, our relationship to others becomes easier, more transparent. Compassion appears, wisdom appears. We can then get down to what is essential, and life becomes simple. Zazen is the adult form of our lives. It is true happiness and authentic freedom.

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