Mindfulness/Awareness Practice in the Beginner’s Mind

Breath awareness and gentle physical exercises help release tension in both body and mind, creating the foundation for deepening Zazen practice.

Facilitator: Steffen Lindner

PAUSE, SETTLE, TURN INWARD,

FIND STILLNESS, DWELL IN THE QUIET CENTRE,

KNOW YOURSELF, LOVE LIFE, MASTER THE EVERYDAY, SERVE THE WORLD.

Why do we meditate?

Coming from the restlessness and turbulence of daily life, we settle into meditation—into Zazen. We allow ourselves to open to a state of conscious presence, moment by moment, breath by breath. Sitting upright, we remain fully present in both body and mind.

We cultivate awareness—both inward and outward—as calmly and naturally as possible, surrendered to the rhythm of breath and life itself. We practice continuous and unrestricted attention, dedicating ourselves to the unfolding present without judgment or resistance—immersed in the moment, breathing, seeing, listening, receiving. We train in undivided mindfulness.

We connect with the essence of our consciousness—our innate capacity for recognition, untouched by distractions. As we become increasingly aware of our mind’s contents, we learn to rest in mindfulness and sustain it with ease, unhindered by fleeting thoughts or strong emotions. In this state of awareness, we see how consciousness always remains, even behind the veil of thoughts.

Thus, heart and mind come into harmony, and we find ourselves embedded in the flow of life. Restlessness begins to fade. We become aware of the ways in which we create stress for ourselves—or allow external pressures to do so.

And then, everyday life—inevitable for us all—reveals itself as the true space for practice. We train ourselves in training—we cultivate the art of presence, in silence and retreat. Yet in daily life, within work, school, family, and public spaces, we reclaim presence, making meditation an ongoing practice in the fabric of our existence.

—We practice awareness behind the veil of thoughts—