Articles about meditation, or meditation, from Nansen’s Blog. What meditation is, its effects on the brain, pain, types of meditation, learning to meditate, Zen meditation, samadhi, zazen. How to meditate in daily life
Concentration and observation are like the right leg and the left leg with which the mind walks during zazen. A path that overcomes the obstacles of drowsiness and agitation (Kontin and Sanran), avoiding stagnation and confusion. In this article, we will explore this crucial concept in the Zen teachings of Taisen Deshimaru and provide guidelines…
Meditation, Dopamine, and Serotonin Zen meditation is an ancient practice that, in addition to being a spiritual path for introspection and self-knowledge, has a direct impact on brain function. Various studies have shown that this form of meditation can influence the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which are closely linked to feelings…
In the practice of zazen, the seated meditation in Zen Buddhism, there are two main obstacles that can hinder concentration and mental serenity: kontin and sanran. According to the teachings of Taisen Deshimaru, these two mental states divert the practitioner from full awareness and the depth of zazen. What is Kontin? Kontin can be translated…
Effects of Meditation on Pain Tolerance Meditation and pain have a very special relationship for Zen practitioners. On the one hand, we cannot ignore that sometimes we feel discomfort, and even pain, from sitting for long periods in the zazen posture during retreats. On the other hand, however, we have the feeling that meditation changes…
What is Meditation? Today there is a vast array of meditation offerings—there are guided meditation classes, meditation retreats, guided meditation apps for mobile devices, … but not everything among these offerings can truly be considered meditation. But finally, understanding what meditation is can make a big difference. If we want a simple and straightforward definition,…
In a small village by the sea, there lived a man named Joan. He was a man who seemed to never have time. He was always rushing from one place to another, busy with his work, his family commitments, and the little problems that arose every day. His friends often told him he needed to…
More and more people are asking how to learn to meditate on their own because they know about the benefits of meditation. Today, it is very easy to find information on how to do almost anything on the internet, and of course, this includes learning meditation techniques. There are guided apps available for mobile phones.…
Satipatthana: Sati – Attention, Patthana – The Four Foundations of Mindfulness The Four Foundations of Attention is the Buddha’s teaching recorded in the Satipatthana, a set of instructions aimed at activating the mind’s mode of full awareness, or mindfulness, as it is known today. This means living in the present moment, without being distracted by…
Once upon a time, there was an old Zen master who lived with his community in a small temple deep in the mountains. The emperor, aware of his wisdom, invited him to a grand Buddhist festival where participants recited sutras for several days and enjoyed abundant and exquisite meals prepared by the palace chefs. The…
