What is Zen?

Zen, in its essence, is the art of seeing true nature in every being. It is a Buddhist Way that cannot be found through thought, but rather, through practice that then becomes a strong driving force: it is a way of living, a way of being. Since all sentient beings are already Buddha, completely free, the remaining problem is how to notice this and how to enact this truth to transform our ordinary lives. According to Zen, this is done through practice, it consists in simply living with all of our being and acting in accordance to our own nature, “When you walk, walk, when you are seated, sit, most importantly, do not sway”.

Who is it for?

Without exclusions of belief or thought of whomever decides to follow a path of spiritual research founded on the discipline of the body and mind that leads to an active acceptance of one’s daily life and recognition of its extraordinary quality.

How much commitment does it require?

Zen is a Way that is practiced while seated and in all actions of daily life.

Zazen

Za: being seated.
Zen: meditation.
Zazen: seated meditation: the body-mind posture, the heart of Zen.

Kin-hin

Is walking meditation that started directly with Shakyamuni Buddha. It is Zazen in motion as it should be in our daily lives: completely concentrated on each step without thinking about either the last or next one. The last and next steps are mere figures of the imagination.

Sutra

Texts saying the lectures of the Buddha or Ancient Teachers. Reciting the Sutra is both intellectual comprehension and energetic vibration, it is above all, as in Zazen, being One united with others and abandoning owns own ego and each individuality.

Ocha

Literally, green tea. According to legendd, a green tea plan grew where Bodhidharma tossed his eyelids that he cut off so he wouldn’t fall asleep during the nine years that he stayed seated in meditation in efforts of realizing himself.