Shikantaza practice

Shikantaza, a form of Zen meditation, means "just sitting" in Japanese. It involves sitting quietly with full awareness of the present moment, without focusing on specific objects, thoughts, or breathing patterns. The practice emphasizes attentive, open-minded observation, allowing thoughts to come and go naturally. The goal is to cultivate a state of relaxed alertness and direct experience of reality, fostering insight and clarity. Rather than striving for a particular outcome, practitioners simply sit, witnessing whatever arises, which helps develop mindfulness, inner calm, and a deeper understanding of existence.