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Zen and everyday life
The richness of Buddhist spirituality is not limited to the practice of seated meditation alone. Although zazen is the source - ‘Zen is zazen’, the spirit of Zen is embodied in all dimensions of daily life.
Zazen, the heart of the practice
Zazen is the sitting meditation without an object as practised by the Buddha 2,600 years ago, a teaching transmitted orally through the centuries by an unbroken lineage of masters ‘I shin den shin’: from mind to mind. This practice is contemplation in the silence and nakedness of the present moment. It is a return to ‘what is before thought unfolds’, in an attempt to grasp what simply is, the true nature of reality at a specific moment. It is the direct experience of ultimate reality.
This practice simply means paying attention to what is here and now. The time of meditation escapes time itself because it is a return to the immobile source of our existence. When the original source is contacted, the duality between subject and object disappears. Each breath, each action, each movement spontaneously becomes the luminous expression of life itself.
See also:
- TEACHING: ‘Zen, religion of everyday life’ by master Roland Yuno Rech
- VIDEO: ‘Morning zazen for the 50th anniversary of Zen in Europe’ - On Sunday 14 May 2017, more than 350 people gathered in the Gendronnière dojo for this celebration.
Experiencing the profound truth of simplicity
The aesthetics of Zen are manifested in simplicity: simple flowers arranged in a vase teach this simplicity. Beyond the refined visual dimension and aesthetic emotion, the practitioner seeks to access deep joy through simple experiences, to the revelation of a profound life detached from material goods, in this ‘happy sobriety’ described by Pierre Rabhi, a figure of agroecology in France.
A life in which respect for the environment in all aspects of daily life occupies a central place. A life, finally, in which the practitioner, at peace with his or her emotions, no longer resorts to consumption to fill a void.
See also:
- VIDEO: ‘L'esprit du pratiquant zen’ - Programme ‘Sagesses bouddhistes’ on France 2 - By Master Simone Jiko Wolf
The meaning of ritual
In places of practice, temples, zen centres, dojos and groups, as well as at the Mother Temple of La Gendronnière, zen rituals bring another dimension to the strict practice of meditation. The ceremonies allow practitioners to harmonise with others. They are all dedicated, according to Buddhist tradition, to the liberation of all beings.
At mealtimes, particularly during retreats, chanted sutras encourage the development of a spirit of gratitude for everything that has contributed to the availability of this food and to think of those who are not so fortunate. They allow us to experience "the interdependence between the giver and the receiver. We understand deeply, beyond words, that life is given to us at every moment by the sun, the earth, the rivers, the forests, the fields, the animals, the people..."
These attitudes demonstrate how far Zen meditation leads beyond a simple practice of personal development.
See also :
- TEACHING: ‘the use of ritual’ by master Taiun Faure
How can you improve your practice?
Practising Zen requires regularity, concentration, observation... and time. The Middle Way is demanding because it is a constant state of mind that imperceptibly permeates everyday life and actions, the intimate experience of everyday situations.
Here is some advice on how to follow this path:
Regularity
It is important to come to the dojo once or several times a week on a fixed date in order to establish regular practice. Over time, the energy needed to get to the dojo is no longer a matter of will but emanates spontaneously from the body.
Joining a sangha, meeting a master
The word sangha means ‘community of practitioners’. The word sangha is also used to refer to a group of people practising under the guidance of a spiritual master. Joining a sangha or group of practitioners is an important step in advancing along the Way of Zen.
It is also about meeting a spiritual master: having travelled the path for many years or even decades, he or she is able to guide the practitioner. The master does not intervene in the lives of the disciples but can help them in difficult moments, in case of doubt or deep questioning. He or she transmits the Buddha's teaching through words as well as through actions and attitudes.
The masters, men and women, of the International Zen Association have followed the teachings of Master Deshimaru or his successors before teaching in their turn. They meet regularly to exchange ideas, share their experiences and develop together.
Participate in spiritual retreats
During the sesshins, the emphasis is on seated meditation and samu, the tasks of daily life to be accomplished with concentration. It is an ideal opportunity to dive into the heart of Zen spirituality.
Retreat days are highly structured, with a precise timetable alternating periods of zazen, ceremonies, samu and meals, generally taken in silence. This structuring of time allows the practitioner to let themselves be guided and to put all their energy into zazen, without worrying about organisation.
Certified masters teach during these sesshins, in particular by intervening in the form of kusens during zazen or mondos, question-and-answer sequences that deepen the understanding of Zen Buddhism. Sesshins can last from 2 to 7 days.
On THIS LINK, discover our different retreats at La Gendronnière
Team spirit, the strength of the group
Zen spirituality emphasises collective practice: being together. Practitioners evolve together, taming their fears, doubts and desires. The other person then becomes the precious mirror of their progress on the Buddha's Path.
Zazen, silent meditation, is a profound practice with many pitfalls. It is therefore preferable to avoid practising alone, in isolation, and to favour practising in a group, in a dojo or temple. The presence of other practitioners generates a powerful collective energy and allows you to benefit from authentic teaching.
« It's the difference between a fire with one log or several. The second one will keep you warm for much longer. » Maître Taisen Deshimaru
There is probably a dojo near you. You will be welcomed with an introductory session and you can do zazen with the other members of the dojo.
The samu
To integrate into a place of practice and thus begin to deepen the Way of Zen, it is advisable to offer one's help for the samu (pronounced samou): voluntary activity done in a spirit of giving and concentration. By regularly participating in the association's activities (cleaning, cooking, external communication, website management, graphic work, etc.), new practitioners get to know the members and familiarise themselves with the spirit of Zen.
Samu is one of the great riches of Zen practice. It could also be called ‘meditation in action’. It allows the concentration of zazen to be practised in everyday, secular activities.
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