Meditation brings the body and mind into a combined and higher level of consciousness. Many times, it is done directly after or in combination with Yoga. Meditation has been practiced in various cultures and religions for thousands of years, and people continue to adopt the practice of meditation to promote inner peace and healing. Meditation is also celebrated for its soothing and relaxing powers. Buddhists have pioneered the act of meditation and today, people all over the world, no matter their culture or background, are engaged in the habit of meditation.
Zazen
The main kind of Yoga meditation is called Zazen and is unique Zen Buddhism. Buddha was said to finally achieve the state of enlightenment while engaged in seated meditation. For more than two thousand years, the practice of Yoga meditation has continued to grow and become increasingly popular.
The great Zen master Dogen once said, "To study the Buddha way is to study the self,” and that is what Yoga meditation does. By concentrating on the position of your body, you learn about yourself. Zazen focuses on bringing the body and the mind together through elevated breathing techniques. Using the correct posture, you free up your diaphragm and can begin to take deep and long sustained breaths. Over the years, people begin to take shorter and shallower breaths. Meditation helps you to take full breaths which many say is very good for the body and brain. There are also several precautions to take when practicing zazen. Sitting on the floor is preferred because it is a hard and stable surface. Also, you should wear very comfortable clothes. It is important to loosen up anything that is tight around the waist and to wear clothing that is non-binding.
Zafu
While sitting zazen, the choice is up to you as to how much time you will spend meditating. Some people sit for five or ten minutes at a time. Others go for longer periods of time like half and hour or a whole hour. Depending on your health, you may get uncomfortable sitting on the floor for long periods of time. You might want to grab a pillow to sit on, but you’re nervous that it would break with the simplistic principles behind Yoga meditation.
Luckily, you can use a pillow! It’s called a zafu and it is actually recommended by Yoga masters. The zafu comes in handy because it not only provides comfort, but makes meditation easier and better! It is a small pillow that is used to slightly raise the behind so that your knees can touch the ground. Depending on your flexibility, you may already be able to touch your knees to the ground. Using a zafu also helps you too keep your back straight. Since there is a cushion between you the floor, your back will be more supported and you will be able to keep the correct posture for a longer amount of time. It will also help you to sustain proper breathing techniques.
By Stacy Hinojosa