Meditation

This page is also available in Slovak.

Practice with us

Information about regular group practice and retreats is available on these pages:

• Prague Dojo – regular Friday practice at the Lotus Centre.
• Bratislava Dojo – Tuesday zazen in Mariánka.
• Retreats – the standard programme for multi-day intensive practice.

In his book Introduction to Buddhism and the Practice of Zazen, Mike Luetchford says: Above all, it is important to practise zazen regularly every day. If there is a gap of even a few days between periods of practice, the hectic and stressful nature of modern life causes us to lose our balance. Although some students of Buddhism practise zazen strictly for a long time in monasteries, and their practice certainly has great value, the true essence of zazen appears only through regular daily practice over a very long period.

    When possible, it is good to practise zazen early in the morning immediately after waking, so that it sets the tone for the new day. But everyone must find the rhythm that suits them best and fits their way of life, and then try to keep to the routine they have established. If you practise zazen shortly before going to bed, your sleep will be more pleasant and you will wake refreshed the next day. If you establish this simple routine of practice immediately after waking and just before falling asleep, you will build the most important foundation of your life: the life of a Buddhist. If your way of life does not allow this, do only what you can and make it your aim to sustain it. If you have children, mornings may be too hectic and you may need to wait until you can find a moment for yourself. When possible, try to practise twice a day so that the total time spent practising is about one hour.     Additional practice at weekends and on days off strengthens your balance and brings peace of mind into the following working week. If you maintain the same naturally upright position of zazen in everyday life as well, especially when sitting for long hours at a desk or watching television, it will be of great benefit. Practising the posture will help you remain clear and alert throughout the week. Regular zazen practice is the most important element in the life of a Buddhist. From time to time, especially when you are very busy, continuing the practice can prove very difficult. Yet paradoxically, zazen brings us the greatest benefit precisely at such times. Rather than putting the practice aside, try to practise even for a short while, simply to maintain your established routine. You will then return more easily to your original duration of practice when your life returns to its normal course. Even a few minutes of zazen practice are greatly beneficial.     The practice of meditation (zazen) is at the centre of our study of Buddhism. Periods of intensive group practice are an important support: they deepen our understanding and also bring challenge, motivation, new friendships, and experiences.