The Zen Studies Podcast 172 - The Profound and Difficult Practice of Putting Everything Down
Jun 25, 2021
Engage with the transformative practice of letting go through zazen, where you learn to mentally and physically set aside thoughts. Explore insights from Zen masters on the importance of suspending concerns for deeper clarity. Discover the paradox of embracing uselessness in meditation, yielding unexpected freedom. Wrestle with practical dilemmas about responsibility while emphasizing the duality of putting down and picking up – essential for balanced living. Ultimately, learn to harmonize contradictions for a richer mindfulness experience.
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Practice Putting Everything Aside
- Do practice putting everything aside during Zazen and periodically through the day as mindfulness.
- Physically and mentally set aside worries, planning, and fantasizing to open attention inward.
Turn The Light Inward
- Let go of intellectual investigation and inwardly reflect instead of chasing phrases.
- Stop measuring experience with thoughts, ideas, and views to touch deeper awareness.
Suspend Affairs And Associations
- Do suspend affairs and associations during Zazen and avoid physical engagement.
- Refrain from discriminating between good and evil to reduce delusive thoughts.