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Zazen |
Zen is a meditation practise developed in India and China. Meditation can bring both physical and mental benefits to those who practise it, ranging from improvements in concentration and concentration power, lowered blood pressure, and relief from various other complaints. Zen has an important historical connection to the martial culture of Japan. This is no coincidence: emphasizing the impermanence of life and focusing on the present suited it well for the early samurai, whose life was constantly at risk and whose survival depended on the ability to act quickly and instinctively. For the modern martial artist, Zen also offers a way to increase one's focus in practise. Similarly, Zen can help Westerners come to terms with the way Aikido is taught. Newcastle Aikikai offers regular Zazen meditation and also Sesshin (meditation retreats). Participation in Zazen and Sesshin is voluntary. One need not share the Zen approach to practise Aikido. |
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