I Bergen Aikidoklubb trener vi Zazen – en sittende meditasjonsform som har røtter i buddhistisk tradisjon, men som vi tilnærmer oss på en sekulær og moderne måte. Zazen betyr «sittende meditasjon» og er en praksis som hjelper oss med å oppnå mental klarhet, indre ro og økt tilstedeværelse, både på og utenfor matten.
Vår tilnærming til Zazen er fri for religiøse overtoner og er åpen for alle, uansett bakgrunn eller tro. Vi ser på Zazen som en praktisk metode for å styrke fokuset, utvikle selvbevissthet og finne balanse i en hektisk hverdag. Gjennom regelmessig meditasjon lærer vi å observere våre tanker og følelser uten å dømme, noe som kan bidra til en dypere forståelse av oss selv og verden rundt oss.
Zazen er ikke bare en del av vår treningsrutine, men en grunnleggende komponent som støtter vår Aikido-praksis. Ved å kultivere en rolig og fokusert sinnstilstand, blir vi bedre i stand til å møte utfordringer på matten med klarhet og balanse.
Zazen inviterer oss til å finne indre styrke og utvikle en sterkere forbindelse mellom kropp og sinn. Vi inviterer deg til å bli med på vår Zazen-praksis og oppleve de mange fordelene ved meditasjon i fellesskap. Uansett om du er ny til meditasjon eller har lang erfaring, vil du finne et støttende miljø her hos oss på Bergen Aikido.
Zazen er en sittende meditasjon, som er kjernen i Zen. Essensen er en studie av selvet. Ordet Zazen er et japansk begrep avledet fra ordene Za – som betyr «jeg sitter» – og Zen – som betyr «jeg mediterer og konsentrerer meg». Til syvende og sist har Zazen som mål å føre sinnet vårt tilbake til sin opprinnelige tilstand, som er en ren og renset tilstand, med evnen til å se verden slik den virkelig er. I Zazen-praksis er stillhet nøkkelen, en kvalitet som er nært knyttet til opplysning.
Vi trener Zazen tirsdag 17.30-19.00.
Vi trener i Industrihuset på Møhlenpris. Adressen er Bredalsmarken 17, inngang mot Puddefjordsbroen.
Se under for mer om Zazen (på engelsk) 👇
English
At Bergen Aikido Club, we practice Zazen – a seated meditation form rooted in Buddhist tradition from Japan, but which we approach in a secular and modern way. Zazen means «seated meditation» and is a practice that helps us reflect on the nature of our mind, achieve mental clarity, inner calm, and increased presence.
Zazen is open to everyone, regardless of background or beliefs. We see Zazen as a practical method for strengthening focus, developing self-awareness, and finding balance in a hectic daily life. Through regular meditation, we learn to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment, which can contribute to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Zazen is not just part of our training routine but a fundamental component that supports our not only martial arts practice, also several top athletes has found benefits through meditation. By cultivating a calm and focused state of mind, we become better equipped to face challenges on the mat with clarity and balance.
Zazen invites us to find inner strength and develop a stronger connection between body and mind. We invite you to join our Zazen practice and experience the many benefits of meditation in a community. Whether you are new to meditation or have extensive experience, you will find a supportive environment here with us at Bergen Aikido.
Zazen is a seating meditation, which is the heart of Zen. Essentially, it is a study of the self. The word Zazen is a Japanese term derived from the words Za –meaning, “I sit”– and Zen – meaning, “I am meditating and concentrating.” Ultimately, Zazen aims to move our mind back to its original state, which is a pure and cleansed state, with the ability to see the world as it really is. In Zazen practice silence is key, a quality closely related to enlightenment.
This is the how-to-do zazen video from the official Sotozen website
Online tips
- Waking up App: You can get a free trial. If you don’t want to pay, request a full scholarship here. This is a favourite resource (even though it is not strictly zen). Because:
- A: It covers many different meditation traditions from Zen to Dzogchen and has a really good introduction course to daily meditation. Thus getting you in touch with the landscape of mediation, and therefore, which approaches you resonate with or not.
- B: The guy (Sam Harris) who leads it is a neuroscientist and philosopher. He looks through a scientific lens at meditation and much of the Eastern thinking around it. (However, he is also a public socio-political commentator. Although that is not on the waking-up app, it can deter some people.)
- C: In the conversation and Q&A sections, he has many amazing talks. From Buddhist monks who have done 8-year meditation cave retreats, to the most cutting-edge scientific research about mediation. You can learn a lot here; about meditation (what it is all about), Buddhist philosophy, academic research, and some of the most prominent figures in the dharmic world.
- D: Good app design.
- The Way App: This is Henry Shukman’s new App. He is a Zen guy who also has training in other traditions e.g., mindfulness (also known as Vipassana). He has some great interviews on the Waking Up app. His app is very well-designed and linear. I am going through it now, and enjoying it.
Books
- Henry Shukman’s One Blade of Grass: Tells a story about a life journey through mediation. How it can affect someone’s life for the better.
- Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: A classic, admired and read throughout the meditation world. This is a great resource to keep revisiting. It is, in a way, an introduction to zazen, by one of the people who brought zen to the West.
- Moon in a Dewdrop: Writings of Zen Master Dogen: Dogen brought Zen teachings (or Chan) to Japan from China. He is considered one of the great thinkers and writers in world history. Here you will get a sense of zen philosophy and aesthetic sensibility, filled with paradox and profound beauty.
You are welcome to join us Tuesdays at 17.30-19.00.
Place: Industrihuset på Møhlenpris, Bredalsmarken 17.
Bergen Aikidoklubb 