Below is an important quotation on spiritual practice, followed by a 20 minute video on beginning zazen by the Venerable Shodo Harada Roshi, the highly respected teacher at Sogen-ji in Okayama, Japan. Due to the time limitations of the video the Roshi was not able to discuss all of the possible sitting postures, breathing approaches, and practices used in the Zen school of Buddhism, so he focuses on a few important ones which are often used by practitioners to good effect.
The presentation is in Japanese, with English as well as other language subtitles available via the 'settings' icon in the lower right of the video's page.
"The path is not a matter of seeking information but a matter of reaching answers...which are not limited by names like Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism or Christianity. If someone still feels that s/he only has to belong to a particular sect, then s/he only understands a shadow of reality, s/he sees a mere reflection of a religion which does not give a true and deep understanding. True understanding comes from the primary place of all religious teachings. We need to find this place of true human nature, where we really recognize that the Life Energy of each person has the same root.
This state of consciousness is beyond any explanation and oral teaching. It cannot be talked about, it can only be realized through one’s own personal experience." Ven. Shodo Harada Roshi.
The presentation is in Japanese, with English as well as other language subtitles available via the 'settings' icon in the lower right of the video's page.
"The path is not a matter of seeking information but a matter of reaching answers...which are not limited by names like Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism or Christianity. If someone still feels that s/he only has to belong to a particular sect, then s/he only understands a shadow of reality, s/he sees a mere reflection of a religion which does not give a true and deep understanding. True understanding comes from the primary place of all religious teachings. We need to find this place of true human nature, where we really recognize that the Life Energy of each person has the same root.
This state of consciousness is beyond any explanation and oral teaching. It cannot be talked about, it can only be realized through one’s own personal experience." Ven. Shodo Harada Roshi.