Effects of mindfulness-based meditation on the brain structures and functions.which have been proven scientifically over the last few years, Scientific research into meditation has shifted from observing "feel-good" anecdotes to documenting structural changes in the brain. Using neuroimaging techniques like fMRI, PET, and intracranial EEG, scientists have identified several key areas where meditation consistently alters […]
Demystifying Awakening Important clarification Awakening in Zen is not: A permanent divine, and mystic bliss during which one becomes supernatural, problem free, and enjoying permanent stress-free life full of joy, pleasure, control, and power. In fact, it is simply waking up away from our mind-made fictional worlds. The opposite of being Awakened is what Zen […]
The importance of listening to silence in Zen practice. In Zen practice, listening to silence is not “ listening to “nothing.” It is considered a fundamental gateway to experience our genuine self,, and concrete reality both of them exempt from our ongoing noisy mind. Here is why cultivating an ear for silence is central to […]
THINKING THOUGHTLESSLY : WHAT DOES THAT MEAN & HOW TO APPLY IT? In Zen, "thinking thoughtlessly" (often associated with the Japanese term Mushin, or ("no-mind" / Don’t know mind / Beginning mind) isn't about becoming brainless. It’s a state of spontaneous, non analytic , non judgmemtal unattached awareness about x, y ,z Example: Imagine you […]
Being in the moment: a key foundation in Zen philosophy, teaching and practice. Why? In Zen, reality is only found in this immediate moment since the past is dead, and the future not yet born. Experiencing genuine, concrete reality of the moment - good or bad- is the only way to approach truthful reality as […]
What is a "don't know" mind in Zen In Zen, “don’t know mind” is the clear, open awareness that appears when we drop all our mindset thoughts , ideas, judgment, about ourselves, about others, and meet the reality of the current moment directly, as it is. It is not stupidity or vagueness, or cowardise, but […]
Compulsive thinking : a Zen perspective. What is it ? It is our mind’s unchosen and unstoppable activity that modern psychology calls default-mode rumination or automatic unwanted thought. How Zen sees thoughts: 1- Zen sees thinking as a natural ongoing function, like digestion. It cannot be stopped. The problems with our thoughts are the following: […]
The parable of the 2 arrows: How the Buddha is using this metaphor to explain the difference between pain and suffering. Meaning of the parable: The first arrow is the unavoidable pain caused by ongoing external factors. The following second arrow is the self- induced suffering triggered by our reactive emotional mind. If the initial […]
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