The word Zen is derived from the Chinese word “chán” and the Sanskrit word “dhyana,” which both mean “meditation.” In Sanskrit, the root meaning is “to see, to observe, to look”. Perhaps more than ever we need to tap into this ancient philosophy, and here we look at the true meaning of Zen and share our top tips on how to keep calm and stay Zen.
T H E P ATH I S ZEN: a beginner ’s guide
Z EN IS A WAY O F B E ING. I T IS AL S O A S TAT E O F M IN D.
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istracted by our multi-tasking digital-driven lives we rarely take time to stop and just focus on something as simple as breathing. Many of us have the tendency to always seek an end result, working towards an end that justifies the means. However, Zen teaches us that there is no “end” moment to reach, that Zen is not a destination but rather a journey. To find enlightenment is not to seek it, but to simply be in the moment, and that is the true meaning of Zen.
“Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” Zen Proverb
Z EN : A CURE FO R MO DERN LIF E ? Renowned Zen teacher and author Philip Kapleau describes Zen as a possible antidote to modern life. In his introduction to Thich Nhat Hanh’s book Zen Keys he ponders what it means to live with the spirit of Zen and questions how we might solve many of the problems of modern society: “One obvious answer is- through Zen. Not necessarily Zen Buddhism but Zen in its broad sense of a one-pointed aware mind; of a disciplined life of simplicity and naturalness as against a contrived and artificial one; of a life compassionately concerned with our own and the world’s welfare and not self-centred and aggressive. A life, in short, of harmony with the natural order of things and not in constant conflict with it.”
B R E AT HIN G Ujjayi is a popular yoga breathing technique, in and out through the nose but narrowing the throat to create a hissing sound (best Darth Vader impersonations ready!) The tone should be even and smooth, and people often compare it to the ocean waves. If this sounds too out there for you, just take a few minutes out and focus just on your breath. Observe how your lungs expand and contract, breathe mindfully in and out, and let your mind be empty and still.
“Smile, breathe and go slowly.” Thích Nhat Hanh 28
