Shikantaza

Shikantaza (Japanese只管 打坐, shikan means " only ", " just " or " only " has ta amplifying function (literally it means " beat " ) and za is the "sitting" ) is most often than "just sitting" in German translated. It is a meditation technique that is mainly practiced in Zen Buddhism, in particular, as a central element of the Soto school.

With Shikantaza an important form of zazen is called, is in the omitted introductory techniques such as counting the breath or practiced in the Rinzai school intensive study of koans. It's " Zazen Zazen by the sake," where the term " zazen " is not limited in this regard to the posture of zazen. Zazen means the undivided, holistic presence in this context.

The most important source of work, which describes the practice of Shikantaza, Dogen Zenji 's Shobogenzo of ( 1200-1253 ).

Method

Shikantaza is often referred to as the method without method. It is aimed at the attitude of Zen practitioners and provides an in-depth method of Zen meditation dar. Unlike other meditation techniques, there is nothing to do here than just sit in conscious attention. This is not to think about the seats themselves, but it should be a one- If set with the Da - sitting. To this end, must soon be endless unleashed on the exerciser one billowing thoughts until they form gradually becoming increasingly rare.

By no means, however, the goal is to actively suppress or push away, until the thought is "empty" become the thoughts in the mind. Rather, to be discovered, what is "behind " the idea is, if one is willing to give them up. Unlike, say, in the bedroom or twilight one is during practice in particularly clear and -present consciousness, which is, however, free of discursive thought.

Shikantaza is not an isolated way, but based on the posture of zazen and the basic setting to adhere to any condition or feeling experienced. The exercise is seen as an endless well. Even an enlightened one is not on the " state" of the Satori adhere, but even leave this experience behind them and the practice continues to deepen. The accompaniment seriously Shikantaza practicing by an experienced ( Zen ) master or teacher is considered by the teaching of Soto Zen as necessary to prevent a series of failures. The largest of the dangers of this method of meditation is the stagnation in the practice of zazen itself, as Shunryu Suzuki in his book Zen Mind / describes beginner's mind.

Shikantaza and zazen practice are inextricably linked. Therefore, the unconcentrated sitting and Dodge in daydreams to escape the uncomfortable situation, also the subject of Shikantaza. The flight before to end here and now also in the everyday life of the people is therefore a tangible " didactic " meaning of Shikantaza.

Shikantaza a guiding principle in the work of Dogen

The written by Dogen Zenji 's Shobogenzo Zen Master contains together with Shikantaza four characterizing Guidelines. These principles describe the foundations for the practice of zazen, Dogen as she describes in his work. Shikantaza is therefore not an isolated way, but must be considered and practiced in the overall context of the other guidelines.

The other three are