Zen meditation

Blueaphid

Is it possible to do Zazen without the support of a group? I am attempting to do this on my own, but keep reading of the need for a teacher and a group. This is not possible for me as I don 't know any Buddhists where I live

Nevermind

Generally speaking, just about anything is easier with a support group. Learning can usually be quicker and easier with a good teacher.

On the other hand, groups and particular learning curriculums are limiting, by nature.

On the other hand, a limit or framework might be what we're actual looking for.

Cinorjer

Doing it with a group is easier, but doing it alone is better than not doing it at all.

The big problem is not having the group pressure to show up and sit down or have them wonder where you're at. You wouldn't think doing nothing would be a hard habit to form, would you? Yet, developing a routine of sitting meditation is as hard to do as forming a routine for exercising alone and for the same reason. It's not fun.

lobster

Perhaps to a limited degree.
Ask here for further advice:
http://www.zenforuminternational.org

Nevermind

lobster said:

Perhaps to a limited degree.
Ask here for further advice:
http://www.zenforuminternational.org

Saving them the trouble, I read this yesterday on an other Buddhist forum:

Where I have a problem is the hierarchical structure with its in-crowd and and out-crowd. I was more or less told on ZFI if you don't agree that finding a group and being supervised by a 'qualified' teacher is 'the right way', then Zen is not for you. I said it reminded me of something the early Church said about 'no salvation outside the Church'.

Didn't go down well, and I'm not posting there any more.

Blueaphid

I agree it would be better to sit with others and it is harder alone. But I will just continue to 'sit' anyway. Thanks for all your answers...

genkaku

My take: The danger of sitting alone is pride. The danger of sitting with a group is laziness.

Sit anyway.

Nevermind

genkaku said:

My take: The danger of sitting alone is pride. The danger of sitting with a group is laziness.

Are you saying that the danger of sitting with a group is pride, and the danger of sitting alone is laziness?

lobster

Sit anyway

You can learn posture and sitting technique from a book.
As things come up you can ask for advice.
You can also ask individual members on the ZFI if they will support your practice.
You can also move towards a retreat in a few years time . . .

If you wish to meditate and delve
you will.
It is amazing what can happen when you just sit . . .

There are those unable to practice without supervision, those who have insight without ever sitting and those who sit for decades and are still z z z . . .

Just sit.
Hang out with any cyber zennists you can . . .
Everything will work out fine . . .

Good luck.

:clap:

lamaramadingdong

For what it's worth, I practice zazen without a group. I read a lot (from all Buddhist schools) and ask myself questions. Given enough time, the answers usually come as long as I am open to hearing them.

Blueaphid

I do this too. And questions get answered, but I never know if the answers are right or wrong. This strikes me as quite a good thing- open answers maybe?

genkaku

Are you saying that the danger of sitting with a group is pride, and the danger of sitting alone is laziness?

@Nevermind -- Perhaps so ... six of one, half a dozen of the other.

Sit anyway.

lamaramadingdong

Blueaphid said:

I do this too. And questions get answered, but I never know if the answers are right or wrong. This strikes me as quite a good thing- open answers maybe?

Often the answer I get is "I don't know".

zenff

The good thing about practice with a teacher and a group should be a delicate balance between confirmation we get and critical confrontation we meet there.
Because what we need – imho - is finding a way of being confident in our practice without being complacent.
I don’t think every group or every teacher succeeds in finding that balance and I’m not at all sure we can find that balance on our own.

Sitting alone sometimes can make me feel like I’m an idiot; but – as was said – our job is to sit anyway.

lobster

finding a way of being confident in our practice without being complacent

Well put.
Sit like you mean it
but gently.

Also don't forget walking meditation and working mindfully in daily existence.
. . . that should get you going . . . :thumbsup: