How to Practice Zen Mindfulness Trainings
Mindfulness trainings are practices that are specific to the Zen Buddhist Order of Interbeing. Taught as shila, precepts, or siksha, trainings by the Buddha in the sutras, mindfulness trainings are practiced as threefold training: Mindfulness, which leads to concentration, which leads to insight. The 14 Mindfulness Trainings reflect the Noble Eightfold Path and provide guidance for daily life.
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Things You'll Need
- Zen Order of Interbeing master
- Writings of Thich Nhat Hanh
- Commitment to mindfulness meditation
Instructions
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1
Follow the Noble Eightfold Path. The first seven mindfulness trainings reflect wisdom, right view and right intention. The next two mindfulness trainings deal with ethical behaviors, right speech and right action. The final five mindfulness trainings correlate to the mental development of the Eightfold Path, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration.
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2
Develop compassion and understanding and do not be bound to doctrines or ideologies (Mindfulness Training One).
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3
Learn from life's truths, even when different from ones own views. Respect others' rights to their beliefs (Mindfulness Training Two and Three).
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4
Understand those who suffer, live simply, and, when angry, practice mindful breathing or walking. Live in the present moment (Mindfulness Trainings Four through Seven).
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5
Listen without judgment or reactions of condemnation. Learn to reconcile and resolve conflicts. Speak without criticism or gossip (Mindfulness Trainings Eight and Nine).
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6
Keep the sangha, spiritual community, free of abuses. Always defend the sangha from injustices within and without. From practicing deep looking, protect life and prevent war. Diligently strive to prevent any profit from the suffering of human beings and all beings. Preserve the vital energies, sexual, breath and spirit. (Mindfulness Trainings 10 through 14)
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Practice mindfulness in order to follow the Eightfold Path. Practice sitting and walking meditations, inviting the bell, reciting gathas (verses), touching the earth, and hugging meditation.
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Tips & Warnings
In every action, thought or speech, avoid causing suffering of any kind
Resources
- Photo Credit buddha image by Lytse from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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I am ver much the novice. I am interested in the use of the bell, as it pertains to sarting stopping, activities and transitions.
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Otiluke111
Dec 06, 2008
Great informative post.:-) -
Otiluke111
Dec 06, 2008
Great informative post.:-)
