禪坐的功能（聖嚴法師-大法鼓 0002）DVD

聖嚴法師大法鼓

5 Apr 201209:11

Summary

TLDRThe video script discusses the significance of Zen meditation in the context of Buddhism, highlighting its evolution from India to China and its emphasis on wisdom and tranquility. It explores the relationship between meditation and Zen, the importance of willpower and objectivity, and the benefits of meditation for personal growth and societal well-being. The script also touches on the recent resurgence of interest in Zen, particularly in China, and offers insights on how to practice meditation in daily life to achieve a calmer and more focused mind.

Takeaways

🧘‍♂️ Meditation and Buddhism have a close relationship, with meditation being highly valued in both Indian and Chinese Buddhism.
🎯 Chinese Meditation (Zen) emphasizes wisdom and the objective handling of reality, which is considered an advancement over the initial Indian practice.
🌿 The popularity of meditation in recent years can be attributed to its spread from Japan to Europe and America, and subsequently its translation and introduction back to China.
🌐 Meditation is not necessarily about sitting meditation; it can be practiced in various forms and still achieve the wisdom of Zen practice.
🏃‍♂️ Preparatory stages for meditation are important for stabilizing the body and mind, which can lead to a stronger practice.
💪 Regular meditation helps improve physical endurance and relaxation, and enhances self-awareness and perception of the environment.
🧠 The cultivation of mindfulness and the dissolution of the ego are key goals of Zen meditation, beneficial for personal growth.
🤗 Meditation helps individuals, especially in their growth and self-cultivation, by providing a broader perspective and a more detached view of oneself and the environment.
📚 Daily practice and learning about meditation techniques are essential for reaping its benefits, even amidst a busy lifestyle.
🌌 Achieving a state of tranquility and wisdom through meditation is a gradual process that requires consistent practice and self-correction.

Q & A

What is the relationship between meditation and Buddhism as discussed in the script?
-The script explains that meditation is an integral part of Buddhism. In India, meditation was highly valued, and in China, it is known as the Zen school which emphasizes wisdom. Meditation is about sitting in a state of introspection where there is no movement or distraction, achieving a state of tranquility and clarity.
How does the Zen school in China view meditation differently from its origins in India?
-The Zen school in China places a greater emphasis on wisdom. Wisdom, in this context, means dealing with real-life phenomena appropriately and understanding them thoroughly. It is about being purely objective, devoid of subjective emotions and ego, which is referred to as the wisdom of meditation.
Why has meditation become increasingly popular in recent years?
-The script attributes the popularity of meditation to its rise in Japan and subsequent spread to Europe and America. This led to the translation of Western meditation books into Chinese, prompting the Chinese to rediscover and take pride in their own meditation traditions.
What are the key factors that attract people from Japan and the West to meditation?
-The key factors include the importance of willpower and determination, the cultivation of patience, and the ability to be objective rather than subjective. These aspects can lead to an expanded and more open-hearted view of the world.
What is the significance of sitting meditation in the practice of Zen?
-Sitting meditation is considered a basic requirement or preparation in Zen practice. It helps the body to achieve a proper posture, aids in the smooth flow of the body's energy channels, and stabilizes the mind, making it more present and focused.
Does one have to sit in meditation to practice Zen?
-The script indicates that sitting meditation is not necessarily required to practice Zen. However, it is a fundamental practice that prepares the body and mind for deeper meditation and helps achieve its benefits more effectively.
What changes can practitioners expect after practicing sitting meditation as observed by the master?
-Practitioners can expect to feel more physically enduring and relaxed, gain a clearer sense of self, and develop a different perspective towards their environment and themselves. There is also an enhancement in their ability to be mindful and self-aware.
How can one integrate the practice of meditation into their daily busy life?
-One can integrate meditation by setting aside time each day for sitting meditation and being mindful at all times. When the mind becomes restless, immediate self-correction is advised. Regular practice and mindfulness can lead to a calmer and more controlled mind.
What is the ultimate goal of practicing meditation according to the script?
-The ultimate goal of practicing meditation, as mentioned in the script, is to achieve a state of self-mastery where the mind can be stilled at will or directed towards specific thoughts. This leads to a heightened state of tranquility and potentially the development of wisdom.
How does the practice of meditation contribute to personal growth and the dissolution of the ego?
-Meditation contributes to personal growth by fostering mindfulness, patience, and a broader perspective. It helps in the dissolution of the ego by promoting self-awareness and the ability to view oneself and the environment from a more detached and objective standpoint.
What will be discussed in the next session as per the script?
-The next session will delve into the methods of sitting meditation, offering further guidance and insights into the practice as taught by the master.

Outlines

00:00

🧘‍♂️ Understanding the Essence of Zen and Buddhism

This paragraph introduces the topic of Zen meditation and its significance in recent years within the country, highlighting its popularity and practical application in daily life. It discusses the relationship between Zen and Buddhist teachings, emphasizing the importance of meditation in both Indian and Chinese traditions. The explanation of Zen meditation as a practice of internal observation and the cultivation of mindfulness without any distractions or subjective thoughts is provided. The paragraph also touches on the evolution of Zen in China, which values wisdom and objective handling of real-life phenomena, setting it apart from the initial Indian practice. The discussion includes the reasons behind the resurgence of Zen, particularly its spread from Japan to Europe and America, and subsequently to China, where it originated. The cultural impact and the need to reclaim this tradition within China are also highlighted.

05:00

🧘‍♀️ The Role of Meditation in Personal Growth and Daily Life

This paragraph delves into the practical aspects of meditation and its role in personal development. It addresses the misconception that meditation is only about sitting in a specific posture, clarifying that meditation is not strictly tied to physical sitting but rather to the cultivation of mindfulness and wisdom in daily activities. The importance of initial preparation through sitting meditation is emphasized, as it helps to establish a stable and healthy body and mind, allowing for greater control and clarity of thought. The benefits of meditation are further discussed, including increased physical endurance, relaxation, self-awareness, and a changed perspective towards oneself and the environment. The paragraph concludes with the transformative experiences of participants in meditation classes and the positive changes they've observed in themselves, both physically and mentally.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Thiền

Thiền, or meditation, is a practice that involves calming the mind and focusing attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness. In the context of the video, it is a central theme and is discussed as a prominent trend in recent years. The script explains that while meditation is a practice of sitting quietly and observing one's inner self without any distractions or random thoughts, it is also about applying wisdom in daily life to handle situations appropriately and with a clear understanding.

💡Địch thực

Địch thực, or reality, refers to the true nature or essence of things as they are, without any distortions or delusions. In the video, the concept is linked to the practice of meditation, where one seeks to understand and experience reality directly through introspection and observation of one's inner self.

💡Pháp sư Thánh Nghiêm

Pháp sư Thánh Nghiêm is a title referring to a respected teacher or master of Buddhist teachings. In the video, he is the guest speaker who provides insights into the practice of meditation and its relationship with Buddhist philosophy.

💡Trí tuệ

Trí tuệ, or wisdom, in the context of the video, refers to the ability to understand and deal with real-life situations in a balanced and insightful manner. It is an important aspect of meditation, where one cultivates the capacity to handle life's challenges with clarity and without bias.

💡Sự tình觉

Sự tình觉, or awareness, refers to the state of being conscious and mindful of one's thoughts, actions, and surroundings. In the video, it is a key outcome of practicing meditation, where individuals develop a heightened sense of awareness that allows them to live more intentionally and respond to situations more effectively.

💡Hòa tan tự ngã

Hòa tan tự ngã, or dissolution of the ego, is a concept in Buddhist philosophy where one aims to transcend the sense of individual self to achieve a state of unity with the rest of existence. In the video, this concept is linked to the transformative power of meditation, where the practice helps individuals to move beyond personal limitations and experience a greater sense of interconnectedness.

💡Thiền định

Thiền định, or concentration meditation, is a practice focused on developing mental concentration and stillness. It involves sitting quietly and directing one's attention inward to observe the inner self without any movement or distractions. The video emphasizes that this practice is not just about stillness but also about cultivating wisdom and understanding in daily life.

💡Vật lực

Vật lực, or willpower, refers to the mental determination and resolve to pursue goals and overcome obstacles. In the video, it is highlighted as a key factor in the practice of meditation, where individuals develop a strong will to maintain focus and achieve spiritual growth.

💡Khách quan

Khách quan, or objectivity, is the ability to view situations or information without personal bias or emotions. In the context of the video, it is an outcome of practicing meditation, where individuals learn to observe reality and respond to situations without the influence of personal feelings or subjective perspectives.

💡Thiền sitting

Thiền sitting, or seated meditation, is a physical posture and practice where individuals sit quietly to focus their mind and cultivate inner peace. In the video, it is presented as a foundational practice for meditation, which helps to prepare the body and mind for deeper spiritual exploration.

💡Cuộc sống thường ngày

Cuộc sống thường ngày, or daily life, refers to the routine activities and experiences that make up an individual's everyday existence. In the video, the practice of meditation is discussed in relation to its impact on daily life, emphasizing how it can help individuals to manage stress, improve focus, and enhance their overall well-being.

💡Trò chơi

Trò chơi, or play, in the context of the video, refers to the practice of meditation as a form of spiritual exercise or activity. It is a way of engaging with one's inner self and the world around them in a more conscious and deliberate manner.

Highlights

The recent prominence of meditation within the country as a trend.

The relationship between meditation and Buddhism, being both interconnected and distinct in their practices.

The importance of meditation in India and its evolution in China with an emphasis on wisdom.

The definition of meditation as a practice of internal observation and stillness of mind.

The concept of wisdom in meditation, dealing with reality with appropriateness and thorough understanding.

The uniqueness of Chinese meditation, surpassing the original Indian meditation in clarity and objectivity.

The resurgence of meditation in Japan and its spread to Europe and America, influencing its popularity globally.

The cultural impact of meditation, where it originated from and the sense of heritage felt by the Chinese.

The key factors that attract people from Japan and the West to meditation: willpower, patience, and objectivity.

The benefits of meditation for society, personal well-being, and spiritual growth.

The distinction between sitting meditation and other forms of meditation practice.

The necessity of a preparatory phase for sitting meditation to achieve strength and stability in practice.

The physical and mental changes observed in individuals who practice sitting and walking meditation.

The importance of daily meditation practice for maintaining calmness and tranquility in a busy life.

The concept of self-correction and mindfulness in daily life as an extension of meditation practice.

The potential for meditation to assist in personal growth and the dissolution of the ego.

The personal experiences of the speaker after practicing meditation, feeling more focused and potentially wiser.

The upcoming discussion on meditation methods, inviting viewers to join and learn more.