The Method-Less Method: Shikantaza (Just Sitting)

A guided meditation based on the Soto Zen school's principle of 'Shikantaza', which is most commonly translated as 'Just Sitting'. This is a pristine example of the paradox presented by Soto Zen: Practicing without practice, method without a method, the technique of no-technique. Shikantaza is a perfect meditation for those with busy lives and no time to study philosophies, disciplines, and doctrines.

Nothing to learn, simply be at peace. In this track I repeatedly guide the listener back to the peace and bliss of simply being, with pointers that remind you not to become involved with the experience you are observing.

Transcript

Let's do a little Shikantaza here today. Shikantaza means just sitting. So this is the method without a method. The technique of no technique. Very simple. Very subtle. Very powerful. So simply taking your preferred meditation position. Just start letting go Everything. Letting go of the mind letting go of the world letting go of all those narratives and situations in the mind. There's no technique needed. Just let go. Very natural, Very simple. And don't try too strenuously to let go. Letting go. It's not an action. It's the release of a previous action. Just really. Be aware of the body. But don't be too involved in the body. Just be aware of bodily sensation and that's enough. Nothing to do. Nothing to change. Leave everything as it is. During periods of silence. Pay attention to the silence that's behind the silence. And you be aware. Of the silence in which the silence occurs. And simply remain. With that silence. Nothing is happening. If the mind is still chattering There's no sense in being frustrated by that. Notice that behind the mind's chatter there is also silence. The mind arises out of silence. Occurs within silence and then subsides into silence. So even the mind is not a problem. If you're noticing any restlessness or agitation in the body. Something feels uncomfortable. Just notice this. And all is well. We're not trying. To meditate. Not trying to find inner peace. Meditation peace and happiness is a byproduct of this letting go. Just being. Nothing to be done. Because nothing can be done. All experience also arises out of silence. Takes place within silence. And subsides into silence. Nothing to be done. Can you notice the silence? And all experience takes place within. So that even the pain. Emotional, Physical, Mental pain is neutralized. Because it's seen from the silent place. Nothing is happening. Don't wait for the next words. Just be at peace. Be done. With this world, With this body, With these stories. You've suffered enough. So just it's time to be done with it. Finding peace and happiness in the silence. That we previously were trying to find in experience. Choosing to not be involved so much step out of the game. And so the pain of the game has gone. And now all is well. The serenity, The peace. There's nowhere to go from here. Even when engaged in daily life, You never leave. You could walk a hundred miles and never move an inch. Because what is the you that is moving? All takes place. In. Measureless. Space. The mind is relentless, Isn't it? But you can be more relentless. Divine stubbornness. To simply not get involved. Don't fight or argue with the mind. Simply treat the mind's chatter as utterly irrelevant. Slightly annoying, And no more. Even the most painful and loudest. Thoughts? Cannot overwhelm. Silence. Nothing is happening. Nothing is happening. Thank you for doing this meditation with me today. Thank you for following. Take care. Be well. And stay present.