Daily Zazen: Counting The Breath (10 Min)

This practice is simple but not easy. Just follow the sensation of breathing while internally counting each exhale, from one to ten. And repeat until the bell rings. In this way, counting the breath serves as a tether to bring you more and more deeply into the present moment. However, this is not easy, because the thinking mind wants to avoid presence. But presence is the key to awakening. This practice offers simple repetitions of presence, just like lifting weights for your mind. The more you practice, the stronger your presence, and your ability to focus, will become. Let's practice together. Note: there is also a 20-minute version if that suits you better.

Transcript

Welcome to Zazen,

Sitting Zen practice.

Now you can take a moment to settle in to your sitting posture.

Relaxed and dignified.

Grounded and upright.

Your eyes open and relaxed.

With a soft gaze in one direction.

You can take a few deep breaths.

The body and mind relaxing more and more deeply.

Into reality.

And now,

The practice.

In a moment we will begin counting the exhales from 1 to 10.

This will be your tether to the present moment.

If you find yourself reaching 10,

Then simply start back at 1 on the next exhale.

And if you lose track before you reach 10,

Due to the mind thinking about something else,

Simply start back at 1 on the next exhale.

Reaching 10 is no better than reaching 2.

These are your repetitions.

You are strengthening Buddha mind.

So now,

For just the next few minutes of your entire life,

Let's enter a silent space together to just practice.

You can begin at 1 on the next exhale.

Good luck.

Okay.

Now you can let go of counting.

Maybe also letting go of any tension in the body.

You might also stretch or move in any way the body wants to.

Letting go of any rush into the next thing.

And just slowly and intentionally gathering the energy of this practice to now bring with you into daily life.

The breath is always available to bring you back here.

To Buddha mind.

Clear mind.

Grounded mind.

Present mind.

Buddha mind.

I'll see you next time.

Reviews

This was really calming. Thank you for this really simple container to try (and continue) zazen. 🙏

Thanks Charles! This is my second time through the 111 course and for some reason every day I am hearing something new. I love that! Ok, so I saved this meditation this time! :) You have so many great works to choose from I got lost trying to find it! lol

Tried Zazen for the first time- it is something I plan to practice

This was a nice easy meditation for me to stay present and grounded.

I appreciate it, Charles. This meditation was incredibly calming, and I found that my mind was able to become still and quiet for a moment. I plan to revisit this practice regularly. Thank you!

A mini daily reset that is necessary in these current times. Thank you Thank you Thank you.

I love this person’s approach. I also took his Tao Te Ching class which was awesome and currently taking the 111 steps to awaken the inner Buddha which I love

I found myself getting drowsy. Is that a good thing? But thank you Charles .. I came here after week 38 of your course and feel I am making some progress towards Buddha mind! I am old but feeling refreshed in myself.

Namaste 🙏

I am a fan of Charles way to introduce pratices. Thanks, I did Zen in the past, but never this counting practice with open eyes. Thanks for this experience.

Ahhhh…….

Wow, this is like strength training for the brain,I feel so present afterwards amazing work I will incorporating this into my daily practices, thankyou.

🙏

Thank you Charles. 🙏

Thank you!

🥰

It's almost disrespectful to rate a practice such as this. It somehow weakens its profound simplicity by giving it a score...but I will say, for me, it is a profoundly powerful yet simple practice that is delivered in such a way that it doesn't add or take away from its simplicity and beauty. Thank you as always Charles for gently guiding me back to the truth of just this moment. 🙏🏼🕊

Centred and calmed, Buddha mind, I shall return, thank you 🙏

Nice, easy guidance for Zazen practice. Thank you, Charles.

A simple experience to become part of my daily practice. Thank you Charles 🙏