Interview on Punt Avui Television, broadcast on Monday, July 10, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. In this in-depth interview, Lluís Nansen Salas answers Mireia Rourera’s questions about Zen, Zen meditation, and Zen mindfulness, from the perspective of a Zen monk with a scientific background.
Our gratitude to Punt Avui, Pol Asensi from production, and Mireia Rourera for their professionalism.
Watch the Punt Avui interview here.
On July 10, 2017, Punt Avui Television broadcasted an interview with Lluís Nansen Salas, a Zen master and theoretical physicist. During the conversation, Nansen discussed various aspects of Zen Buddhism, the practice of meditation, and its relationship with mindfulness, offering his perspective as a Zen monk with a scientific background.
During the interview, Nansen explained that Zen meditation, or zazen, is a practice of sitting in silence, maintaining a specific posture, and focusing on the breath. This practice allows one to observe thoughts without clinging to them, fostering greater awareness of the present moment and a deeper understanding of the mind.
Punt Avui: Relationship Between Zen and Mindfulness
He also highlighted the relationship between Zen and mindfulness. Mindfulness has become popular in the West as a technique for reducing stress and improving well-being. However, he emphasized that mindfulness has its roots in Buddhism, and in its original context, it goes beyond a mere relaxation technique, being a path toward personal and spiritual transformation.
In the Punt Avui interview, Nansen shared how his training in theoretical physics has influenced his understanding of Zen. He pointed out that both disciplines seek to understand reality, though from different perspectives: physics through the study of the natural world, and Zen through direct experience and introspection. This combination has allowed him to teach the Dharma in an objective and accessible way for Western practitioners.
Zen and Everyday Life
He also spoke about the importance of living in harmony with daily life and how Zen practice can help achieve that balance. He mentioned that his own life has become more harmonious thanks to Zen practice, allowing him to face challenges with greater serenity and clarity.
Finally, Nansen highlighted the significance of Dharma transmission, the process through which a new master is recognized within the Zen tradition. In 2016, he received this transmission from Roland Yuno Rech, consolidating his role as a teacher in the Soto Zen tradition of Taisen Deshimaru’s lineage.
In summary, the Punt Avui interview offered a profound insight into Zen Buddhism and its application in modern life. Nansen was emphasizing the integration of spiritual practice with a scientific understanding of the world.