The History Of Zen Meditation

The history of Zen meditation dates back to the 11th century and was bought from Japan to China at that time by a monk called Bodhidarma.

Zen meditation has it's origins in Taoism and Mahayana Buddhism.

Zen embraces calm, tranquillity and simplicity, you can see these values in the flower arrangements known as ikebana and in Japan's serene and simplified rooms and gardens, which focus on the quality of texture, shape and finish.

This bare visual approach to life is based on the belief that by only keeping what is necessary in your life. Since the immediate environment offers no distractions, the mind, body and spirit are open to being more creative and have more clarity.

The simplicity of Zen meditation leads to increased insight, intuition and concentration.

The history of Zen meditation tells us that the practice is to have your mind in the present moment, there is no thinking about the past or future.

The basis of Zen meditation principles is to learn the art of awareness, which is achieved more easily by getting rid of the clutter and one's attachment to material possessions one is able to focus more on meditation. Here are some steps that are involved in typical Zen meditation practices, try them to find out if it is the type of meditation for you.

In a very comfortable sitting position become aware of each breath as you inhale and exhale.

Keep focusing on your breathing as it becomes deeper and slower and feel the sense of peace.

While inhaling focus on your body, while exhaling relax each part of your body starting at the shoulders and working your way down, finishing with your toes.

Then get your facial muscles to relax one by one, in the process give a little smile to different parts of your body.

Ensure that all your mucsles are totally relaxed as you experience oneness with your body.

Bring yourself back to focusing your inhaling and exhaling breaths, in the now moment.

At this stage your posture of sitting will make you feel in control of your body, mind and soul.

With regular practice of Zen Meditation these steps will flow into each other. The core of the Zen meditation process is said to be za'zen and aims to help us completely change our attitude towards life.

It helps us to release the pressure of expectation and develope appreciation and exceptance for what is and not what is expected. The history of Zen meditation has evolved from the basis of this. return from history of zen meditation to history of meditation

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Disclaimer: If you have a serious illness and are taking medication for that illness, DO NOT STOP TAKING YOUR MEDICATION unless you are told it is safe for you to do so by your health care professional. The author of this web site in no way recommends the stopping of medication if you need to take it, use your medication together with meditation.