Shikantaza.

Introduction.

The term shikantaza is attributed to Dōgen's teacher Tiantong Rujing (1162-1228), and it literally means, 'nothing but (shikan) precisely (da) sitting (za).'

In other words, Dōgen means, 'doing only zazen whole-heartedly' or 'single-minded sitting.'

Source: Shikantaza on Wikipedia.


Martial Arts.

Before and after a martial arts lesson, it's customary to sit in zazen position for a short while, and calm down. At this short time one can meditate for a while, count breaths, calm down.

Also, our Teacher made us perform a practice borrowed from Yoga - a practice of drawing energy from the universe.


Does it work?

After eagerly practicing shikantaza before and after karate training, my mind went quiet and balanced after some years.

i didn't know it's shikantaza, just counted breaths, being fascinated with 'oriental philosophy aspects', when training.

i was 'radiating with calmness', people told me - and i felt same calmness in me as well.

i felt stronger, as well.

Now, unfortunatelly - after stopping shikantaza - i am much more nervous, at least internally feeling that way.


Also, on a course with Lama Ole Nydahl, i've heard that sitting is important, that many sat in caves and reached Enlightenment. i do not know what they did during/after sitting, however.


What's involved?

During Shikantaza, body, breath and mind are in fact one thing. Or, more accurately, body-breath-mind is actually body-breath-mind-universe.

Breath brings together consciousness with unconscious.

Breathing is also bodily function.

'The entire universe is the true human body ... the entire universe is the dharma body of self.'

Source: My experience, Buddhadharma magazine - Spring 2018.


How to do Shikantaza?

Many people start in Buddhism by counting breaths.

Practicioneer sits and observes breath and mind, breathes naturally - while counting from one to ten, with each of breaths - one or two numbers.

After reaching ten, practicioneer starts from one again and again.

When a distraction appears, one relaxes, affirms non-duality / 'whatever arises - affirm no-two' /, lets go and starts counting again.

... at later stage, one can stop supporting practice of counting breaths as well.

Source: My experience, Buddhadharma magazine - Spring 2018.