A Guide to Zen

This opposition generates a state of tension in the abdominal muscles, and the maintenance of this state of tension is of utmost importance in the practice of zazen.

remain wakeful, and ultimately to enter samadhi depends on our method of breathing.

We call this condition “off-sensation.” In this state the activity of the cortex of the brain becomes steadily less and less, and this is preliminary to entering samadhi.

Beginners in Zen will usually be told to start by practicing counting their breaths — that is, to count each exhalation up to ten, and then start again.

To look at oneself and the objects of the external world in the context of pure existence is kensho, or realization.

The basic kind of Zen practice is called zazen (sitting Zen), and in zazen we attain samadhi. In this state the activity of consciousness is stopped and we cease to be aware of time, space, and causation. It may at first sight seem to be nothing more than mere being, or existence, but if you really attain this state you will find it to be a remarkable thing.

Zen is not, in my view, philosophy or mysticism.
It is simply a practice of readjustment of
nervous activity. That is, it restores the distorted
nervous system to its normal functioning.