why zazen?

Dōgen Zenji

Only zazen (za - to sit, zazen - to sit in the posture of Zen) is important.
All the Buddhistic decorations, the sutra's, the beliefs, the philosophy,..., all this is secondary.

Dōgen  - (1200 – 1253 CE)

Dōgen Zenji was the Japanese Zen Buddhist who founded the Sōtō school of Zen.  The emphasis of his teaching was on the practice of zazen.   According to him, when we are 'sitting' - with a calm mind, following our breaths - nothing is lacking..  

Zazen is a non-goal oriented practice

Since nothing is missing when we sit, there's nothing to attain by 'sitting'.  We don't seek enlightenment, satori, nirvana, salvation...we don't seek anything.  We just 'sit'.  In fact, seeking an experience or any state other than what is now precludes us from achieving it.  We can't quiet our minds and breathe mindfully if we have anything, including 'enlightenment', as the goal for our practice.  We sit zazen to sit zazen,

Zazen is a  universal practice

Since beliefs, philosophies, etc. are irrelevant to zazen, anyone can practice it.  No one needs give up their religion or belief system to sit.  While in zazen, we do let go of our beliefs, ideas,  ambitions....everything...for the time we're practicing.  But we aren't renouncing our faith.  Our experience while meditating will inform our beliefs but we shouldn't let our beliefs inform our zazen.

Zazen is a 'present moment' practice

Through our meditation we learn to be present - mindfully aware.  With practice, this presence will begin to pervade our non-sitting hours.  We'll find the 'quiet mind' we experience while sitting can be replicated whenever our thoughts are scattered.  A few mindful breaths will bring us back to now.

Why not try zazen today?  You've nothing to lose except some chattering mind-monkeys.

Be well, friends.