How much of your time do you spend contemplating Mindfulness? How much of your time do you spend consciously moving into a state of True Consciousness? How much of your time do you actually attempt to live your life from place of True Awareness and Empathic Connectivity to nature, life, and the reality that surrounds you? For each individual, the answers to those questions are different. But, the fact of life is, this is your life, you are the one living it, just how mindful are you about what you are living and how you are living what you are living?  
 
Zen Buddhism is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes mindfulness and direct experience of the present moment as a means to achieving enlightenment. The foundation of this practice originated in India, then traveled to China, where it developed into Chan Buddhism, and later spread to Japan, where it became known as Zen. The essence of Zen is encapsulated in the concept of “Satori,” or “Sudden Enlightenment,” which is achieved through deep mindfulness which gives birth to a natural insight into the true nature of reality.
 
Mindfulness, or, “Sati,” in Pali or, “Smṛti,” in Sanskrit, is a fundamental aspect of Zen Buddhist practice. In essence, its understanding encompasses maintaining a focused awareness on the present moment, allowing the practitioner to observe their thoughts, emotions, and sensations without attachment or judgment. Therefore, in Zen, mindfulness is not merely a technique but a way of life that permeates every action, from sitting meditation, (Zazen), onto all of your daily activities.
 
From its initial foundation in ancient India forward, the cornerstone of Buddhism and later Zen Buddhism, is mindfulness, which is most often cultivated by, “Zazen,” or seated meditation. From its inception forward, during Zazen the practitioners is taught to sit in a specific posture, usually the lotus or half-lotus position, and focus on their breath or a specific, “Koan,” (a paradoxical question or statement used as a meditation tool). The objective of this is to cultivate an aware, yet undisturbed, state of mind, allowing thoughts to arise and pass without clinging onto them.
 
In Zen, the practice known as, “Shikantaza” or, “Just Sitting,” is a means to step beyond the traditional understanding of attempting to, “Turn off,” the mind while in seated meditation and expand this practice to fosters a continuous state of mindfulness and awareness throughout the day.
 
Shikantaza is the Japanese translation of the Chinese word, “Zhiguan.” The basic understanding of the true meaning of this word is that it allows the practitioner to step beyond the stringent formalities of Zazen, allowing the practitioner to move this concept onto a means of truly embracing and experiencing all reality, leading to a state of supreme awareness ultimately equaling absolute Mind Full Ness.

In Zen, mindfulness extends beyond the seated posture of meditation onto every aspect of daily life. Practitioners are encouraged to perform all tasks with full attention and presence, whether it is eating, walking, or working. Making all thought, movement, and action their meditation.
 
The practice of mindfulness in Zen Buddhism offers numerous benefits, both spiritual and practical. By fostering a state of calm and clarity, mindfulness helps reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. It enhances concentration, emotional resilience, and overall well-being. On a deeper level, mindfulness in Zen leads to the realization of one’s own True Nature and the interconnectedness of all life, paving the way towards enlightenment.
 
Mindfulness, in Zen Buddhism, is a transformative practice that guides individuals toward self-awareness, inner peace, and ultimate liberation. Through Zazen, Mindful Living, and the contemplation of techniques such as Koans, the Zen Buddhist practitioners cultivate a profound connection with the present moment, unlocking the potential for instantaneous enlightenment, “Satori,” and a harmonious existence.

So, how much of your life do you live mindfully?