Search found 43 matches

by Greg_the_poet
Sat Oct 11, 2014 2:01 am
Forum: Zen
Topic: Back problems
Replies: 13
Views: 3662

Re: Back problems

Thanks a lot for all your suggestions. To be honest I don't think it's my back itself that is the root problem. My back feels fine the majority of the time, but after 20 minutes of sitting in Zazen my muscles really start to ache. I think it's more of a mental issue. I suffer with anxiety and depres...
by Greg_the_poet
Mon Oct 06, 2014 1:31 am
Forum: Zen
Topic: Back problems
Replies: 13
Views: 3662

Re: Back problems

Cushion, I sit in the Burmese position. My pain is the mid back area. The muscles really tighten and twist there.
by Greg_the_poet
Mon Oct 06, 2014 1:04 am
Forum: Zen
Topic: Back problems
Replies: 13
Views: 3662

Back problems

I've never had the greatest posture in the world and one of the reasons why I haven't been that consistent with going to the zendo is because an hour's sitting is almost torturous for me. I can't even imagine what it would be like to do a whole sesshin, now that would be torture. My teacher has rece...
by Greg_the_poet
Sat Oct 04, 2014 2:58 pm
Forum: Soto
Topic: To breath or not to breath
Replies: 32
Views: 11794

Re: To breath or not to breath

The title of this thread was a play on words and done with a hint of irony. I find it amusing that many people think I am suggesting that in Shikantaza we stop breathing altogether. To breath or not to breath is meant to mean, to concentrate on the breath or not concentrate on the breath. Whether we...
by Greg_the_poet
Fri Oct 03, 2014 5:41 pm
Forum: Soto
Topic: How do I know when to start shikantaza?
Replies: 6
Views: 3792

Re: How do I know when to start shikantaza?

There are no stages in Soto Zen
by Greg_the_poet
Wed Sep 24, 2014 11:54 pm
Forum: Creative Writing
Topic: Greg's songs
Replies: 2
Views: 1433

Re: Greg's songs

The Man who wont stop smiling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lydW0a6 ... 8OOGXZanXQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
by Greg_the_poet
Mon Sep 22, 2014 1:19 am
Forum: Creative Writing
Topic: Greg's songs
Replies: 2
Views: 1433

Greg's songs

I've always dreamed for a Grapefruit girl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsUQT4y ... 8OOGXZanXQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
by Greg_the_poet
Tue Sep 09, 2014 4:39 am
Forum: Soto
Topic: To breath or not to breath
Replies: 32
Views: 11794

To breath or not to breath

"During Zazen our mind always follows our breathing." Suzuki Roshi "The practice of true reality is simply to sit serenely in silent introspection." Hongzhi "Concentrate on posture and breathing." Taisen Deshimaru "Do nothing at all, this is the way to study Zen.&q...
by Greg_the_poet
Sat Sep 06, 2014 6:36 pm
Forum: Meditation
Topic: Meditation and your breath
Replies: 21
Views: 7236

Re: Meditation and your breath

From a Soto Zen perspective you should not try and control anything, including breath, thoughts, sensations, sounds, etc. Ironically when I don't worry about focusing on my breath I find it it easier to BE with the breath and allow it to flow naturally. The moment I try and manipulate the breathing ...
by Greg_the_poet
Tue Mar 04, 2014 11:11 pm
Forum: Lounge
Topic: The six realms of existence
Replies: 0
Views: 622

The six realms of existence

I've started a little musical project based around the six realms of existence. I hope to get these songs properly recorded and made into an EP. Feel free to listen to one of these, perhaps all of them if you are feeling brave ;) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsldeBt8iu0 In the realm of Hell http:/...
by Greg_the_poet
Mon Nov 11, 2013 1:31 am
Forum: Zen
Topic: Shikantaza
Replies: 39
Views: 8658

Re: Shikantaza

Do any of you Anapanasati as well as Shikantaza? Or does that just bring with it idealistic ideas?
by Greg_the_poet
Sun Nov 03, 2013 6:56 pm
Forum: Lounge
Topic: I love those who hate me
Replies: 3
Views: 1032

I love those who hate me

My newest song, I hope you like it ;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdL6EILWCMo
by Greg_the_poet
Sun Nov 03, 2013 12:00 am
Forum: Zen
Topic: Shikantaza
Replies: 39
Views: 8658

Shikantaza

I want to know if you agree with this Priests teaching of Shikantaza? Suzuki Roshi emphasized following the breath, as did Deshimaru (From the lineage I follow), Yet I prefer this priests teaching of Shikantaza.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suD57Mb6gOw
by Greg_the_poet
Sat Oct 12, 2013 1:36 am
Forum: Zen
Topic: Does zen believe in pure land of buddhas ?
Replies: 14
Views: 5069

Re: Does zen believe in pure land of buddhas ?

Belief in any state after death is not a requirement in Zen, belief in general is not a requirement. Pure lands, Heaven, Hell, hungry ghosts, devas etc. All these realms are here right now, and we pass through them all.
by Greg_the_poet
Fri Jul 19, 2013 12:28 am
Forum: Meditation
Topic: Metta chants/Meditation
Replies: 2
Views: 1536

Metta chants/Meditation

I practice in the Soto Zen tradition and they never do metta chants/Meditations. However I want to incorporate it into my daily practice at home, obviously not at the dojo. I like doing this as I feel it brings me out of myself and gives me a sense of compassion and interest in others. Due to my dep...
by Greg_the_poet
Sat May 25, 2013 2:34 am
Forum: Meditation
Topic: closed eyes vs. opened eyes
Replies: 21
Views: 6751

Re: closed eyes vs. opened eyes

Eyes closed feels nicer, but at the same time it's much easier to daydream or fall asleep. I do Zazen and eyes are kept open, but cast downwards. It's not about trying to calm oneself or stop thinking, but to allow the mind to obtain it's natural state by itself. Just allowing thoughts to come and g...
by Greg_the_poet
Mon Mar 25, 2013 3:05 pm
Forum: Meditation
Topic: Eye strain
Replies: 2
Views: 1523

Eye strain

I practice in the Soto tradition, facing the wall while meditating. I'm always told to not focus too much on the wall, but it seems to be second nature. I start staring hard then get real eye strain at the end. I don't know if there's any exercising a person can do with the eyes to make them more re...
by Greg_the_poet
Mon Mar 18, 2013 4:20 pm
Forum: Pure Land
Topic: First time
Replies: 8
Views: 2758

Re: First time

It's a Japanese temple called three wheels, and it is Shin Buddhist centre.
by Greg_the_poet
Mon Mar 18, 2013 4:07 pm
Forum: Pure Land
Topic: First time
Replies: 8
Views: 2758

First time

I'm going to a Pure land Temple tonight for the first time. What can I expect? I've practiced in Soto Zen before. Is the meditation practice similar? I know there's a lot more chanting.
by Greg_the_poet
Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:52 pm
Forum: Lounge
Topic: Song about Rebirth
Replies: 1
Views: 938

Song about Rebirth

Here's a song I wrote about Rebirth ;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U-eWsw9bj0

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