Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the pace of your daily life?
A few years ago, that was my everyday reality. Struggling with bipolar depression in a high-speed world, I felt lost. That is, until I discovered Zen Buddhism, which offered not just relief but a profound transformation in my approach to life. I am writing out my own personal experience so maybe you can get some inspirations from it and apply it to your own life.
What is Zen?
Zen is a practice rooted in Mahayana Buddhism, focusing less on ritual and scripture and more on meditation and direct experience.
Originating from China as Chan Buddhism, it became Zen in Japan, emphasizing simplicity and inner peace.
This practice became my refuge, teaching me how to quiet the chaos in my mind and find serenity.
About Zen Meditation
Zen's meditation, or Zazen, involves sitting still, focusing on your breath, and observing thoughts as they come and go without engagement. This method became a cornerstone for managing my mental health.
There is a story that happened to me, let me share it with you:
Few years ago, while living in a temple with monks, I once watched leaves falling from a tree. I remarked on the peacefulness, noting how the leaves seemed to be returning to their roots. A monk nearby advised:
"Try to read the leaf's lifespan from what you see; it will make you realize something more."
In that moment, I understood that the leaf was not merely a leaf; it was a manifestation of time flowing through it. Like the leaves, we are not just humans; we are the flow of time running through us.
As of now, I am still a learner of Zen. I realized a few months ago that integrating Zen into my life doesn’t have to be daunting. It can be as simple as spending a few minutes each morning sitting quietly, observing your breath, or taking a mindful walk, feeling each step connect with the ground. These practices ground you in the present and build a foundation of calm.
Through Zen, I found not only peace in the face of rapid life and mental challenges but also a path to lasting serenity.
As a learner myself, I hope you can join my journey: It might just transform your relationship with your world, as it did for me.
