“Zen” is derived from the word “Chan,” which comes from the Sanskrit term “dhayana,” meaning “meditation.” In Zen practice, zazen or meditation plays a central role that allows a practitioner to experience the so called “ultimate reality or the absolute.” It is a practice that encourages deep meditation and understanding of reality beyond conceptual thinking. Zen had a significant impact on East Asian Buddhism and continues to be practiced worldwide.
Zen meditation is different from other forms of meditation. Unlike in traditional meditation (which focuses more on stress reduction), Zen meditation is more focused on mindfulness and self-awareness. Zen practice of meditation emphasizes posture and breathing, which is why it is also commonly known for being a sitting meditation technique. Not only Zen helps in developing greater insight, self-understanding, and self-reflection, but also provides positive health benefits. Studies showed that Zen meditators had higher levels of telomerase enzyme, a marker of aging, suggesting that regular meditation supports healthy aging. One study also found that among people who practiced Zen for several years, they had more gray matter in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for higher-level thinking and decision making. People who practiced Zen showed to have improved sleep, calmer, and lives a happier life.
If you or someone you know wants to learn about Zen meditation, you can visit the Toronto Zen Centre where the practice of Zen Buddhism is being taught and studied. Involvement in the Toronto Zen Centre is open to all people regardless of age, race, origin, sex, or sexual orientation. The Centre provides workshops, loving-kindness course, and yoga. Please visit their website at torontozen.org to learn more.