Imagine that you are sleeping. But you are convinced that you are awake while you sleep. However, after awakening comes the realization that the experience gained there was not real, it's all just an illusion. Satori is a very similar sensation, like a sharp awakening from a dream. The only thing is that the already "waking" experience is an illusion.
What is experienced in this "awakened" state is the absolute foundation upon which the concept of life is superimposed. That is, the concept of ordinary life, or, as it is also called, "the ordinary (small) mind". It exists completely in our mind. Therefore, all the suffering that is generated by human understanding, are considered as completely unnecessary. They self-formed, like any idea, their source is intelligence. The descriptions of Satori's feeling indicate complete liberation from "unnecessary".
Satori in the Zen
Satori is the spiritual goal of Zen Buddhism. This is the key concept in Zen. The word Satori roughly translates as "personal enlightenment", "flash of sudden awareness." Satori Zen defines as an intuitive experience. Feeling of Satori can overtake:
- Suddenly, out of nowhere. Aparka Marg (Aparka Marg) - so it's called In Zen Buddhism.
- After an indefinite period of time, focused on meditative practices.
Satori and Samadhi
The practice of Satori can lead to Samadhi, this state (Satori) is a stepping stone to the "cosmic consciousness" (Samadhi). Satori is a glimpse of Samadhi. If the state of Satori can be defined as an experience of enlightenment that has a beginning and an end, then Samadhi has no end, it is a breakthrough into the enlightened consciousness, which gradually will be filled.
Satori and Kenshaw
In the Zen Buddhist tradition, the concept of Satori is closely related to Kenshaw - "looking at his true nature." "Ken" means "to see, to look," "sho" means "nature, essence." Both Satori and Kenshaw are often translated as "enlightenment," and seem to be interchangeable concepts. In fact, these are two ways leading to one goal:
- Satori is a sudden awakening, when a person realizes the truth and sees everything "as is" without any filtering of information. This is a deep liberating experience, which immediately shifts the perception of the person and gives him access to the truth. Meditation Satori will help to survive this experience.
- Kenshaw is a gradual process when a person learns from his experience and receives various ideas that slowly push him toward a state of enlightenment. This is the way - a person learns from mistakes, suffering and pain and, thus, becomes better than he was.
How to achieve satori?
It has long been revealed that stress is one of the risk factors for serious diseases. It can cause:
- headache;
- asthma attacks;
- allergies and much more.
The modern way of life is filled with stress, emanating from feelings about work, well-being, home and relationships in the family. And while many people are convinced that meditative practices necessarily involve religion, everyone can apply Satori as a means of comfort and relaxation, not being a Zen believer.
The state of Satori can be achieved in two ways:
- Koans. Or questions about yourself and the meaning of life. Zen believers often spend whole days meditating on such issues. They seem very simple at first glance. An example of a koan is the question "Who am I?". First comes to mind the shallow answer - "I'm 30 years old, I'm an accountant, mother of two children," etc. But Satori's goal is deeper answers - "I'm independent, I do well in what I do, I love it." There is no right or wrong answer to the koan, because each person is unique and lives differently than others. Other questions that will help Satori achieve:
- "What is my goal?"
- "What is my true nature?"
- Meditation. Concentration is the key to meditation . For Satori newcomers, concentrating can be difficult, because the mind is filled with distracting thoughts. Practice Satori will help to concentrate with the help of mantras, which need to be repeated mentally. Also, Satori's meditative practices involve proper breathing techniques.
Satori breathing technique
Satori's breath requires attention. Conscious breathing moves the focus of thoughts from the outer to the inner. Satori's technique is a proven relaxation technique, deep and slow breathing supplies the brain with the necessary amount of oxygen. The motto of Satori's breathing practice is "you breathe more deeply - you live longer". To properly perform a breathing exercise:
- Lie flat on your back (it is important that the spine is in the forward position).
- Turn on the music for the meditation that you like.
- Breathe deeply, without pausing between the breaths.
- Alternate breathing only with your nose with "breathing in your nose, exhaling with your mouth."
- Sometimes go from deep and slow breathing to fast, shallow.
- avoid darkening of the eyes and dizziness;
- change the rhythm and depth of breathing, if something happens.