Sit with lights on or off?
Sit with lights on or off?
Hi, do you think it is best to sit zazen with the lights on, off, or with dimmed lights?
Re: Sit with lights on or off?
Sit with lights normal for you. If you then find them too bright, then dim them to suit your needs. Many people also recite just before or just after sitting so you may need the light.
Kirt
Kirt
“Where do atomic bombs come from?”
Zen Master Seung Sahn said, “That’s simple. Atomic bombs come from the mind that likes this and doesn’t like that.”
"Even if you practice only for an hour a day with faith and inspiration, good qualities will steadily increase. Regular practice makes it easy to transform your mind. From seeing only relative truth, you will eventually reach a profound certainty in the meaning of absolute truth."
Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
"Only you can make your mind beautiful."
HH Chetsang Rinpoche
Zen Master Seung Sahn said, “That’s simple. Atomic bombs come from the mind that likes this and doesn’t like that.”
"Even if you practice only for an hour a day with faith and inspiration, good qualities will steadily increase. Regular practice makes it easy to transform your mind. From seeing only relative truth, you will eventually reach a profound certainty in the meaning of absolute truth."
Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
"Only you can make your mind beautiful."
HH Chetsang Rinpoche
Re: Sit with lights on or off?
I prefer natural light, but not too much. If it's still dark outside and I'm sitting in the morning, I use dim light (two candles is enough in a small room). That's what works for me. What works for you may differ.
kirtu's right about the need for light when chanting until you know the material by heart with no mistakes.
kirtu's right about the need for light when chanting until you know the material by heart with no mistakes.
Re: Sit with lights on or off?
It doesn't matter.mddrill wrote:Hi, do you think it is best to sit zazen with the lights on, off, or with dimmed lights?
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Kim O'Hara
- Former staff member
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Re: Sit with lights on or off?
Dim light can encourage drowsiness ... not a good idea if you're inclined to nod off anyway.
The same goes for the "eyes open or shut" question, by the way: it doesn't matter much, but eyes-open may discourage drowsiness.
Kim
The same goes for the "eyes open or shut" question, by the way: it doesn't matter much, but eyes-open may discourage drowsiness.
Kim
Re: Sit with lights on or off?
Never with the lights off unless there is natural light coming from outside.
One should not kill any living being, nor cause it to be killed, nor should one incite any other to kill. Do never injure any being, whether strong or weak, in this entire universe!
Re: Sit with lights on or off?
Usually sit with off.
Re: Sit with lights on or off?
When I'm tired I sit with bright light. When I'm too wakeful I sit in the dark.
Re: Sit with lights on or off?
Sit with lights on and off at the same time.
Best wishes
Dana
Best wishes
Dana
Shush! I'm doing nose-picking practice!
Re: Sit with lights on or off?
Well, personally, I prefer a bit of 'mild' light .. because, if you come to ... unexpectedly .. in complete darkness, you may .... catch fright .. and see .. a demon.
It's not nice,
Bonko
It's not nice,
Bonko