Rinzai Zen

In Rinzai Zen Buddhism, we practice zazen (sitting meditation), kinhin (walking meditation), and we study koans with a Zen master or authorized teacher. We practice being completely present with whatever arises in our awareness.

In Sanskrit there are three facets of Zen: dharana (concentration), Dhyana (pure non-evaluating awareness), and samadhi (unreasonable joy). We turn our gaze inward and face everything. We face the discomfort, the ugliness, the darkness, as well as the beauty and the joy.

We practice sitting without moving in stillness, in eloquent silence, until we begin to notice how we have been deluded by our conditioning. As we begin releasing what we are attached or even addicted to, a deeper longing begins to bloom.

It is by facing our own delusions and attachments, without turning away. that we gain insight into our own true nature, which is nothing less than the true nature of all reality. This awakening enables us to move with greater clarity and compassion in the world. 

—from Integral Zen