Zen Therapy is to use meditation techniques to bring mental balance, improve relationships and obtain contentment. Zen believes that the mind is constantly ruminating and conflicts are a result of too much craving and too many choices. Conflicts take away contentment and we need to develop grace for the present moment and be mindful of people we relate to, the environment and our minds. That we should be centered towards our breathing and such focus keeps our mind from engaging in needless conflicts. We help the patient to train his mind in the Zen way and thereby help him to look within. In Zen Therapy, there is no discussion on specific mind issues and all effort is towards attaining a no minded state where one realizes the beauty of the present moment and celebration or Satori follows. For Zen Therapy and Training, please contact us.
Read below for more on ZaZen Meditation Training and Zen therapy.
Zen Therapy is to use meditation techniques to bring mental balance, improve relationships and obtain contentment.
Zen is an oriental method of contemplation founded by Bodhidharma in the Shaolin Temple based on Mahayana Buddhism. The aim is Satori (Kensho) or the first awakening in this life enabling one to see clearly without needless rumination and ultimately attain Nirvana or Liberation meaning total freedom from worldly worry to attain enlightenment. Zen can be effectively used to enhance corporate performance, better interpersonal relationships and build contentment at work to improve retention.
Zen helps to cultivate no mindedness or decluttering the mind from needless rumination, overcome instinct make rational decisions and also cultivate self-discipline, mindfulness and regular contemplation.
Buddha compared the human mind to a Raging Bull which is running berserk out of control creating doubt, worry & rumination. The Mind can be agitated at work due to work pressure, time deadlines, colleague hostilities, discontentment etc. Zen is a method to harness that bull and ride it to attain enlightenment. And in turn improve efficiency.
THE VARIOUS STAGES OF USING THE BULL OR ZEN SKILLS ARE AS FOLLOWS
Searching for the Bull or MAKING A RESOLVE TO SORT RESTLESSNESS is when one realizes the need to attain peace within and looks for a method of calming his agitated mind by vagaries of life.
Finding the Bull SHAMATA OR FOCUS is to develop focus and concentration of the mind to the work at hand. In the beginning, many who try Shamata meditation will find it difficult to focus due to distractions from outside and turbulence inside the mind.
Spotting the Bull ANAPASSANA OR BREATH MEDITATION is a method of concentrating on the breath and whenever the mind deviates to any emotion, refocus and root the mind back onto the breath.
SATIPADHANA OR BODILY AWARENESS is a method of concentrating the mind on the sensations produced by various body parts. It builds mindfulness of body and teaches tolerance to pain and also endurance at work.
Catching the Bull SATI OR AWARENESS OF MIND is a method of developing mindfulness and building grace, optimism, self-reliance and celebration of the moment.
Struggle with the Bull SHIKANTAZA OR PASSIVE OBSERVATION OF MIND with respect to wavering emotions for people, place and events in life. It helps bring a state of confrontation of self with repressions and sufferings of the past.
Taming the Bull is using Buddhism’s 8 FOLD PATH OF DHAMMA to lead a life of discipline, values and effort. The Dhamma teaches morality, right speech and moderate action.
Riding the Bull to achieve Wisdom (Pragnya) SAMADHI (ACTIVE CONTEMPLATION) to realize the 3 Marks of Existence – Dukkha (Imperfection) Annica (Impermanence) & Annata (Insubstantiality) of everything in life. Deep contemplation helps one realize the true meaning of life – namely respecting the present moment, living it fully and putting full effort in the task at hand.
Bull Disappears MAHA-ATTI– SATORI OR NO MINDEDNESS using KOANS. The Master may aid the development of Kensho or Insight and the exponent may explode into Satori or ecstasy of realization. Via the KOAN technique, one learns to keep instinct aside and use logical action as a weapon to combat indecision – The No Mind of Zen
Self Disappears ARAHAT OR MIND WITHOUT SELF is an advanced state of liberation where the ego disappears and the mind feels an out of body experience. On prolonged meditation it is possible to gain a small insight into this state. This helps in developing Karuna or compassion for all around, encouraging one to work selflessly for the betterment of others.
Reaching the Source or Destination BODHI OR DIAMOND STATE OF LIMITLESS EXPANSION is when one attains Buddhahood or total enlightenment where mind travels faster than the speed of light through space and time to experience the limitless expansion of the earth, universe, galaxy. One feels compassion for all being’s human, plant or animal and transcends the dimensions of the past, present and future. Zen practice helps one to attain a momentary insight into this limitless expansion and makes one realize his minuscule presence in the larger scheme of life. At work such insights build humility and help one attain his maximum potential.
Coming back home PUTAI (Laughing Buddha with wine) is when the enlightened one returns to the material world to teach others and relieve them of their sufferings. One must always be ready to offer help for others to grow, mentally and spiritually.
Zen is therefore an ancient method which can be effectively used as a modern method to improve balance in mind and enhance work efficiency, relationships and contentment.