| In layman's term, Zen meditation is letting go of | | | | Half-Lotus Position |
| pessimistic thoughts and simply relaxing. In | | | | Indian-style with one leg on the top of the other |
| Buddhism, it is a contemplative discipline | | | | is the half-lotus position. To achieve such sitting |
| performed to achieve calmness in the mind and | | | | position, you need to be seated on an Indian-style |
| body. Most importantly, it aims for a practitioner | | | | of sitting. After which, lift one leg without letting |
| to understand the nature of life to obtain | | | | the legs be unfolded. |
| enlightenment. | | | | Full-Lotus Position |
| To fully experience positive results of Zen | | | | Make sure that you are seated Indian style. Then, |
| meditation, there are three general methods to | | | | pick one foot and take it to the crook of your |
| consider such as (1) Concentration; (2) Koan | | | | knee. Let it rest, ensuring that the base of your |
| Introspection; and (3) Shikantaza. | | | | knee is in an upward position. The final step you |
| Concentration is the main emphasis to start Zen | | | | need to undertake is to bring the other foot to |
| meditation. You need to focus on your breathing | | | | the other knee just like what you did on the first. |
| which is commonly ministered by counting. Let | | | | |
| breathing be your shield to any distraction. On the | | | | After you have chosen a comfortable Zen |
| other hand, Koan Introspection focuses on "koan." | | | | position for you, there are other important |
| Koan is an entity used for meditation. "Just sitting" | | | | considerations you need to carry out: |
| or Shikantaza is meditation where an object has | | | | ? Keep your mouth close. Ensure that your |
| no place, instead mere concentration is needed. | | | | tongue is calmly pushed beside the upper palate |
| Once you have chosen a specific method, then it | | | | to prevent salivation and swallowing. |
| is time for you to be aware of the common | | | | ? Keep your eyes low. Fix your eyes on the |
| positions undertaken in Zen meditation. | | | | ground. |
| Burmese Position | | | | ? Keep your chin tucked-in. |
| At first glance the said position looks like a simple | | | | ? Keep your nose in line with your navel. |
| cross-legged position. With the Burmese position, | | | | ? Keep your torso not to lean forward or |
| you need to situate your feet so it will be in front | | | | backward. |
| of one another and let both your feet relax on | | | | ? Keep your hands enclosed in a "cosmic |
| the floor. You need to ensure that your heels are | | | | mudra." Your dominant hand should be in an |
| pointed towards your pelvis. Also rested on the | | | | upward palm position to hold the other hand. |
| floor are your knees. | | | | Zen meditation concentrates on breathing. Breathe |
| Seiza Position | | | | in Zen meditation is said to be the fundamental |
| Seiza is the Japanese term for correct sitting. It | | | | force in one's body. Together with mind, the |
| can be achieved by letting your lower leg kneel. | | | | two are considered the reality of life. |
| Make sure that your feet are under your | | | | With the kind of life people are in right now, Zen |
| buttocks and that your toes are positioned in a | | | | meditation may be a helpful act to be relieved |
| backward manner. | | | | from stress and tension. |