 Re: Concentration?
Dave K wrote:
> moon wrote:
>
> Well it's all in my head. I've been doing zazen (shikantaza - just
> sitting) for several years now. But in terms of yoga practice I don't
> have a real established routine. But I've read stuff online. So I can
> talk the talk but, you know..
There are many subtle differences between the Hindu conception of the
body and the Buddhist. On most of the big issues the two cultures
agree, but details like Kundalini energy, chakras, and such are quite
different. Hatha Yoga has its roots in Hindu tradition. Zazen,
developed its own physical exercises out of Chinese and Japanese
martial arts.
It is interesting to note that the Japanese Zen is a derivation from
the Chinese Ch'en from the original dhyana. This is the sanskrit word
for meditation.
In other words, its all good.
>
>
>
> Hey, this looks like the real thing. Thanks.
You may want to look in the yellow pages and see if there are any
classes you can take. Sample different teachers. Find one that
resonates with you. Books, tapes, internet and such can supplement the
learning of the practice but nothing can replace a flesh and blood
teacher.
Hatha Yoga is an invailuble supplement to a meditation practice. It
will help you sit longer.
>
>
> Looks like the same one you posted above. You probably meant to paste
> somethign different. Nonetheless, the first one looks like where I
> will start.
>
>
> More of a well rounded Buddhist I think.. There is a monastery I go to
> on occasion for retreats, and while it is based in Zen, they have many
> workshops related to other types of what they call "Body Practice."
> Many are taught including Yoga. I haven't been to any of those
> workshops yet but it did give me the idea to start investigating.
The Hindu based chakra system is quite different than systems developed
out of China. Indian mythology breaks the system down to 166 marmet
points of these are the chakras connected by pathways called nadis.
These chakras are not always in specific locations. Thus 3rd chakra
may be located near the navel, but sometimes is located 6" in front of
the navel outside of the body. Sometimes it is located near the spine.
Mostly these points act as placeholders for our mind to focus on the
subtle body.
Zen coming out of the Japanese cuture uses Qi/chi points connected by
meridians. This is the basis for acupuncture.
For us seekers, it is good to experience these many perspectives. A
skeptical attitude can go a long way in filtering out the myths and
legends that are attached to these systems.
Kundalini energy is also considered shakti energy. This is the energy
that develops naturally as we practice meditation. Some schools use
tales of snakes rising from the base of the spine as metaphors for the
rise of this energy. If you meditate with regularity, in time this
energy will become apparent. The myths and images can be replaced by
direct experience.
It is not samadhi. Samadhi is the state of nirvana at first reached in
meditation, then cultivated as a state in regular waking life. This
term exists in both Buddhist and Hindu systems.
Stu
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