#7

How about a meditation method ‘without a method’?

One that does not involve observing or counting the breath, focusing on an object, or repeating a mantra.

Wouldn’t that turn things upside down.

From Japanese Zen comes the practice of shikantaza, of ‘just sitting.’

Want to see how it works? Then sit still, upright and alert, as present as can be. “Here I am. Just as I am.” When thoughts enter your awareness, notice them but nothing else. Physical sensation arise: ditto. Don’t add any stories, don’t push away.

Now put aside what’s written here and . . . just sit.

Sitting quietly
Doing nothing
Spring comes
The grass grows by itself

~ Matsuo Basho (松尾 芭蕉, 1644–1694)

My apologies for talking like a fool about things I know little about. Zen master Shunryu Suzuki wrote, “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.”