The Paradox of Shikantaza: Why "Just Sitting" Is So Difficult
Summary
A reflective piece on the difficulty of Zen meditation (zazen), particularly the practice of shikantaza ("just sitting"). The author explores the paradox that zazen is hard precisely because it's simple — the instruction to clear one's mind leads to thinking about thinking, frustration, and self-judgment. The piece touches on how this cycle can become a form of personal hell, and hints at a personal turning point in the author's practice.
Source
bskyThe Paradox of Shikantaza: Why "Just Sitting" Is So Difficultrustyring.blogspot.comKey quotes
· 5 pulledZazen is hard because it's simple.
It's the nothing-to-learn that loses beginner and master alike.
Then you'll become upset with yourself (or if you're a teacher, your student). Which is just thinking harder.
Some folks get stuck there, just circling that holding pattern forever.
It's one of the Buddhist definitions of hell, but since we're born into that hell on Day 1, I'd call it a lateral move at worst.
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