What is Zen?
Zen (Korean: Seon) is the practice of mindfulness, whether we sit on a cushion, a chair or walk. Arranging flowers, preparing tea, doing calligraphy and archery are also forms of Zen practice. At the Oberpfalz Yon Hwa Am Zen Zentrum we practice a meditative form of Zen from Korea called Seon. It is a simple form of practice which requires developing a correct sitting posture and concentrating on or experiencing the breath.
The purpose of Zen is to still the mind and recognize the “oneness” that exists in the universe. We refer to what we do as “practice” since no matter what we are doing, we practice focusing our thoughts solely on what we are doing at this moment. When I wash the dishes, I just wash the dishes…. Single-mindedness! When I hold a flower, I and the flower become one. Our practice is one of the heart.
Sitting Zen creates for us a time and place where the mind can come to rest. When we begin to sit, a myriad of things fill our mind. As we begin to pay careful attention to our breath, the objects of the mind become less important and begin to take a back seat. It is concentration on the breath that dissipates the myriad of things that can enter the mind.
When our community sits together, we bow, chant, sit and face a blank wall. The act of sitting together gives support to our practice as we share a similar endeavour, and in doing so, become one. The cushion becomes a dumping ground as we shovel the mud that clouds our minds. After much practice and work, our awareness grows and light begins to penetrate the darkness.
Sky under my feet, ground over my head,
There is no inside, outside or in-between,
North Mountain wait for South Mountain
without saying a word.
by Master Hanam (1876-1951)
