Zazen, or seated meditation, is considered the core of Zen practice. It is a form of meditation that involves sitting in a specific posture, focusing on the breath, and allowing thoughts to come and go without attachment or judgment. This simple yet powerful practice has a profound impact on our daily lives.

One of the main ways that Zazen impacts daily life is by helping us cultivate mindfulness. By sitting in stillness and observing our thoughts and emotions, we become more aware of our inner world. This awareness then extends to our daily activities, allowing us to be more present and attentive in each moment. We become more attuned to our surroundings, our interactions with others, and our own thoughts and feelings. This increased mindfulness can lead to a greater sense of calm, clarity, and focus in our daily lives.

Zazen also helps us cultivate inner peace and equanimity. Through the practice of sitting still and observing our thoughts without attachment, we learn to let go of our constant need to control and fix everything. We begin to see that everything is impermanent and that we can find peace and stability within ourselves, rather than seeking it externally. This inner peace can help us navigate the ups and downs of daily life with more ease and grace.

Furthermore, Zazen can help us develop resilience and patience. As we sit in stillness, we may encounter discomfort, boredom, or restlessness. Through the practice of Zazen, we learn to sit with these uncomfortable feelings and observe them without reacting or trying to change them. This builds our capacity to stay present and patient in difficult situations in our daily lives. We become less reactive and more able to respond skillfully to challenges and conflicts.

Zazen also has a positive impact on our relationships. By cultivating mindfulness, inner peace, and patience, we become better listeners and communicators. We learn to be more present and attentive to others, and we become less reactive and more understanding. This can lead to more harmonious and fulfilling relationships with our loved ones, colleagues, and even strangers.

In summary, Zazen has a profound impact on daily life by helping us cultivate mindfulness, inner peace, resilience, and better relationships. It is a simple yet powerful practice that can bring more peace, clarity, and contentment into our lives. As Zen Master Dogen said, “To study the Buddha Way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be enlightened by all things.” Zazen is a powerful tool for studying the self and finding enlightenment in our daily lives.