Date: 04/20/2024 04/21/2024
Location: Star River Meditation Center
Teacher: Yunquan Huang
Sitting Meditation
The Difference and Connection Between Sitting Meditation and Zen Inquiry
Sitting meditation and Zen inquiry are often discussed together, yet they serve different functions in practice. Their purposes, methods, and focus differ, but they complement and support each other.
1.Fundamental Differences Between the Two
1.Different Purposes
Sitting Meditation
Aims to calm the body, regulate the breath, and steady the mind, bringing it back from distraction to presence.
Zen Inquiry
Goes beyond calming—its goal is insight, awakening, and directly seeing the nature of mind.
In one sentence:
Meditation seeks stillness; Zen inquiry seeks wisdom.
2.Different Methods
Meditation focuses on stabilization
Observing the breath, relaxing the body, and maintaining awareness.
Zen inquiry uses questioning and deep observation
Such as “Who am I?” or “Where does thought arise?” to penetrate the true nature of mind.
3.Different Emphases
Meditation addresses restlessness and tension
It quiets the mind and settles the emotions.
Zen inquiry addresses ignorance and attachment
It aims not just to calm but to illuminate.
2.The Connection Between Meditation and Zen Inquiry
1.Meditation is the foundation of Zen inquiry
A stable body and calm mind are essential before deep inquiry is possible.
2.Zen inquiry enriches the meaning of meditation
When one begins to observe thoughts and mind itself, meditation transforms from relaxation into awakening.
3.Both ultimately point to clarity
Though their approaches differ, both aim to free the mind from confusion and reveal its innate purity.
3.How Beginners Should Approach Both
1.Begin with sitting meditation
Develop stability first.
2.Gradually introduce mindful observation and questioning
Once the mind is steady, inquiry becomes effective.
3.Do not force separation
The two practices naturally merge as one progresses.
Conclusion
Stillness Is the Door, Insight Is the Path.
Meditation opens the door to calmness; Zen inquiry opens the path to awakening.
They are not opposites, but complementary practices that guide one toward clarity, freedom, and inner wisdom.
