Zazen
What is Zazen?
Zen, or Zazen, is a sitting meditation practice developed in India and China. Zen has an important historical connection to the martial culture of Japan.
This is no coincidence: emphasising the impermanence of life and focusing on the present suited it well for the early samurai, whose life was constantly at risk and whose survival depended on the ability to act quickly and instinctively.
Shedding our delusions of self is a difficult and confronting practice but allows us to “Wake Up” and be unconditionally present.
Zazen at Newcastle Aikido
We offer regular Zazen (sitting) meditation on Tuesday mornings and Friday evenings and longer and more intensive Sesshin meditation retreats twice a year. This is a non-denominational practice. Participation in Zazen and Sesshin is strongly encouraged and voluntary.
Why do we practice Zazen?
Meditation brings both physical and mental benefits, from improvements in concentration and concentration power, to lowered blood pressure, general wellbeing, and peace of mind.
