A Guided Course in Zen Meditation

A Guided Course in Zen Meditation is a practical introduction to zazen and to the way meditation can become part of everyday life.Ven. Daiju Zenji, an Australian-born Rinzai Zen monk trained in Japan, draws upon decades of practice and teaching to guide the reader through posture, breathing, counting the breath, attention and the activity of the mind. No prior experience of meditation or commitment to Buddhism is required. The invitation is simply to practise and discover through direct experience.The course begins with the physical and mental foundations of zazen before exploring the Noble Eightfold Path: - Right Seeing- Right Thinking- Right Speech- Right Action- Right Living- Right Effort- Right Mindfulness- Right ConcentrationEach chapter combines clear explanation with an opportunity for guided practice. As the course develops, meditation moves beyond the cushion into speech, action, relationships, work, difficulty and change.This is not a promise of escape from ordinary life. It is an invitation to meet life more directly - with greater attention, honesty and responsibility."Meditation is not an escape, it is an embracing of life."