Zazen and the Alexander Technique Zazen is a meditative discipline commonly practiced in Zen Buddhism, a branch of Buddhism that focuses on rigorous self-control, meditation practice and understanding of Buddha. -the nature and personal expression of this vision in daily life, particularly for the benefit of others. Zazen meditation practiced to connect the mind to the body. The mind has the ability to move away from events of the past or uncertainties of the future, but the body remains in the present. The goal is to bring the mind to the present with the body. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay During a Zazen meditation session, we focus on posture. First the posture of the body, then the posture of breathing and finally the posture of the mind. The body posture is intended to be balanced, anchored and open. Full lotus and half lotus poses are commonly recommended. If these are too difficult, other poses such as Burmese or Seiza can help. In the photo, the reference “zafu” is a small cushion used to raise the pelvis. You may notice that the hands in all the images look the same. The position of the hands is called dharmadhatu-mudra, which means “gesture of reality”. The knuckles of the upturned left hand rest on the knuckles of the upturned right hand, which as a whole rest on the person's thighs and against the lower abdominals. Thumbs gently touch in a natural arch. The breathing posture is very similar to how we begin our constructive rest in the Alexander Technique. As described by the White Wind Zen community, you cannot watch the breath. Looking at him abandons the purpose of the exercise. A quote I liked from their site is: “Like thoughts, the breath comes and goes. If anger arises, the breathing becomes angry. If sadness arises, the breath sighs. If your practice is tense, the breathing is tense... Each breath is fresh, new - you have never breathed this breath before. He describes each breath as “a touchstone by which you can bring body and mind together.” Every breath you take in this moment brings you closer to mind-body unity. The posture of the mind is a little more difficult to describe. To me, the spirit is a separate person from you. You may adopt a posture, but your mind may remain in the past. He can pride himself on concentrating so well on breathing. He might become agitated or scream. You have experiences, and your mind has experiences through consciousness. Bringing awareness to the mind, so that it can have the same experiences as the body. When you get lost in thoughts, feelings, or drowsiness, bring yourself back to the breath. Don't feel the breath, just breathe. I have made many connections between the Zazen meditative process and the Alexander technique. Posture is an important point. In Alexander Technique, the emphasis is on natural posture, little or no tension. Constructive rest focuses on slowing the mind, bringing awareness to the present moment, and focusing on breathing. Zazen is posture-based and uses breathing and awareness to connect the body and mind. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Personalized Essay What I thought was the biggest difference between the Second, the Alexander Technique is meant to be practiced all day long...