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It was when Buddha sat still and meditated that he reached enlightenment. Originating from his teachings over 2,500 years ago, Zazen refers to a sitting meditative practice that is meant to give insight into the true nature of your being.
Okay, for the non-believers, that might have sounded like a load of spiritual nonsense that makes no sense. But hear us out. According to Issho Fujita, a Zen Monk who also studied child psychology for some time, more than being a meditative practice, Zazen is just a state of being.
The Japanese have many philosophies, according to which they live their lives, and Zazen is one.
“While most meditation tends to focus on the head, Zazen focuses more on the living holistic body-mind framework. The body does not move in zazen posture. The mouth is closed and does not speak. The mind does not seek to become Buddha, but instead stops the mental activities of thinking, willing and consciousness,” he explained at a workshop called “The Lived-Body Experience in Buddhist Meditation” he taught in March 2002.
Basically, Zazen is just sitting still with no thoughts, and Gen Z would put it as “empty brain, no thoughts”. According to Dr Kunjan Gupta, consultant psychiatrist, Regency Hospital, while it’s not exclusively a mental health philosophy, Zazen does have implications for mental well-being as it focuses on the breath and observing your thoughts without attachment.
Dr Gupta explained that the benefits of Zazen from a mental health perspective may include:
It can promote self-awareness and a sense of inner calm, which can be valuable for managing anxiety and depression, she added.
To apply Zazen to your life for mental health benefits, consider starting with short daily meditation sessions, gradually increasing the duration, according to Dr Gupta.
“Find a quiet, comfortable space, sit in a relaxed yet alert posture, focus on your breath, and let thoughts come and go without judgment,” she added.
Consistency is key to experiencing the full benefits of Zazen. Consult a qualified meditation teacher for guidance, if needed.
Keep in mind that while meditation practices like Zazen can be beneficial for many, they’re no substitute for professional mental health treatment when necessary. Always consult a healthcare expert for personalised advice.
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