Things You'll Need:
- Comfortable clothing
- A place to meditate
-
Step 1
Keep in mind that "Zuowang" refers to the state of mind that is reached during the meditation and not any specific method. Zuowang meditation is a state of open awareness of any thought or sensory input that may arise. You do not try to control thoughts, emotions or sensory feelings, just watch them come and go.
-
Step 2
Understand the difference between wu wei and yu wei. Wu wei is the absence of intential action, whereas yu wei is action that is directed by intent. Ultimately, Zuowang is a state of effortless awareness, but you may need to practice yu wei to arrive at that state.
-
Step 3
Sit down in a chair, or on the floor. Make sure your spine is straight. Relax your body and your mind.
-
Step 4
If you cannot enter directly into choiceless awareness, you may need to employ yu wei instead of wu wei. To do this, you can unite the mind with the breath by focusing on the breath without controlling it. After a while, your mind will settle down and your only awareness will be of the breath.
-
Step 5
After practicing breath focus for a while, your concentration will develop to the point that you can keep an open awareness of anything that comes into your mind without dwelling on it. This is the point that you enter Zuowang, with wu wei.
-
Step 6
Gradually increase the time spent in Zuowang meditation. Practice every day, preferably at the same time of day.
-
Step 7
Incorporate Zuowang into your everday activities. If you are washing dishes, practice Zuowang to remain present in the moment, not dwelling on anything.
