| Meditation is a vital component of the practice of | | | | recedes as we get closer. A very easy trap to |
| Zen Buddhism, including many different exercises | | | | fall into is that of becoming attached to the end |
| and techniques to promote the ongoing | | | | goal of reaching enlightenment, but if we reach |
| development of the awareness of our essential | | | | that point...what then? |
| nature. | | | | Does reaching enlightenment mean that we stop |
| Two aspects of Zen Buddhist practice, each with | | | | there? Or is it a turning point in the road that |
| it's own techniques, are observation and cessation. | | | | enables us to see a vast vista laid out before us |
| Between each of these extremes there is a | | | | that was previously hidden from view? |
| balance that needs to found. Attachment to either | | | | The road has no end to speak of so wherever |
| one can lead to it's own problems. | | | | we are on that road is where we are, wishing |
| Cessation is the withdrawal of the mind from | | | | ourselves further along serves no purpose. Truly |
| external inputs. Turning the awareness inwards | | | | reaching a point of accepting and embracing the |
| and observing the self. Becoming present to the | | | | journey will serve to move us that much further |
| moment that is the only real thing that we can | | | | along where a rigid goal of attaining enlightenment |
| experience. Neither memory nor anticipation, | | | | will do little except to form a stronger attachment |
| resting in this space gives a clarity that is not | | | | to the current situation. Therein lies the paradox |
| attached or related in any way to the intellect | | | | that can only be solved through experience, not |
| Attachment to this aspect of the practice can | | | | words. |
| lead to a withdrawal from life. Complete | | | | Using our knowledge of brain wave technology, |
| detachment and indifference to life and the | | | | we can get more out of Zen meditation, more |
| physical nature that is an integral part of our | | | | easily than ever before. Not only can we achieve |
| experience. | | | | deeper levels of awareness, it is easier to reach |
| By observing we are saying this is different and | | | | that level next time. Truly a win-win. |
| separate from that. This provides a balance to | | | | These techniques are called binaural audio tracks |
| cessation, while still keeping foremost the fact | | | | and are specific tones that are sounded in each |
| that it is all the divine and an expression of the | | | | ear at different rates and modify the brainwaves, |
| divine within ourselves. | | | | inducing a slowing and synchronizing of the whole |
| An attachment to this can lead us into confusion | | | | brain. This is the identical process to what goes on |
| and turmoil, thus obscuring a view of the world | | | | inside the brains of Zen monks. So, essentially we |
| that is truly reflective of what really is. | | | | can access many of the amazing benefits of Zen |
| Balancing out these two opposing but | | | | meditation at the push of a button. |
| complementary perspectives prevents a slide into | | | | So now it is just so easy to practice meditation |
| either extreme and the combination works to lift | | | | as a vital part of Zen Buddhism. This is an exciting |
| our consciousness to higher and higher levels of | | | | development, which can allow us rapid |
| awareness while still experiencing the earthly life | | | | development while living and working in one of the |
| that we are living. | | | | most hectic and stressful times that the human |
| Zen meditation is a dynamic process with no fixed | | | | race has ever known. We can now use |
| end point or goal to reach. It is an ever-moving | | | | technology to enhance our life and get a greater |
| river that has no end, so the focus needs to be | | | | sense of connection to each other and all of |
| on the journey as the end point is something that | | | | humanity. |