Today is about the big news in the world which is about the case where the 12 boys of the football team and the coach in the cave in northern Thailand that was submerged were confined and it was rescued about two weeks later. I would like to introduce about their experiences in the cave and after discharge.

I have been interested in Zen and I study in books etc for 10 years. The number of people who practice meditation, mindfulness, breathing methods are increasing, so I am happy as a Zen lover. I sometimes practice Zen meditation, today is about that.

Chokokuji (zen temple in Nishiazabu, Tokyo) offers its Zazenkai (group Zazen session) from 6:30pm to 8:30pm every Mondays. Participation fee is 100 yen. For participants who need language assistance in English, it is highly recommended to come with an interpreter on the first day (introduction) and the second day (the first Zen session) since we cannot provide translation service. From the third day, you could come by yourself.

I can do “Just sitting” at my place but the reason why I go to Zazekai is I like the atmosphere. Despite the city center of Nishiazabu, the temple is very quiet, the air is clear and fresh feelings. In the Kannondo on the right after going through the gate, Azabu Kannon which was built by carving Kusunoki, looks gentle with a calm feeling. And the buildings where for Zazenkai, the dimmer space, incense scent, tatami mats, monk’s black robes, Buddhist decorations… Straighten up but I feel calm with the nostalgic space somehow.

Not be trapped in the past that has already gone and not feel anxious for future that has not come yet. Put your awareness on your breathing, and aware of you have been already happy and rich. Focus on your breaths and feel present…

Recently practices such as mindfulness, breathing, zazen, meditation or yoga are getting popular to live yourself. I have tried to do some of them (in progress).

The basic steps are breathe in abdominally (consciousness of the inner part of the lower abdomen, just beneath the navel), breathe in and breathe out. I could do this longer when I am in good condition but not all the time, otherwise I am dominated by thinking. I have been trying to do some practices to keep good feeling longer, and I met good method of Thich Nhat Hanh.