What is the world-popular “Zen”?

In the U.S. the name “Business Zen” has become famous. Are you familiar with Japan’s Zen? Apple founder Steve Jobs was known for being so absorbed in the world of Zen that he even considered secretly visiting Japan later in life and becoming an ordained monk for the sake of Zen. In contrast to Jobs, Japanese monks are not so keen on the idea of Zen,

“You still have work to do.” He refused.

I would like to explain to people who are interested in Zen what it is exactly.

The history of Zen
Zen is derived from Buddhism and was born in India as well.
Daisetsu Suzuki published his Zen teachings in English. Business ZEN was born in the U.S. as a method of mental unification mainly for business managers.

Let‘s delve in deeper.

Zen is another name for the mind
Zen is to seek answers where there are none. It is to empty the mind.

You had a fight with a friend. You think you are right, but your friend probably thinks the same thing. “I am right. This doesn’t solve the problem.

If you look at things from only one side, you will not see the whole picture. For example, you may come across a cool car but think, “Oh what, the car doesn’t actually look that great from the back.” I’m sure everyone has had a similar experience like this.

By looking at relationships objectively from all angles – from yourself, from the other person, and from the way people around you see you – new solutions will emerge. If you feel like something is not going how you want it to and displeases you, remember, this goes for others too.

The idea is that by looking at things from all directions, we can get closer to the truth.

The Zen way of thinking is not to fight, but to harmonize with one’s surroundings and aim for coexistence and co-prosperity. Isn’t this a very important concept in today’s world of war and economic conflicts?

Another example of a company that has achieved great success by rethinking its own business with this idea is Jobs’ Apple. I think it might be a good idea for you to learn about Zen in order to achieve that great success.

Some people think of Zen as a religion, but it is not religious. It is not about believing in a god; it is simply about looking at yourself.

Let’s try Self Zen
Are you a little curious? If so, there is an easy way to do it yourself.
You can do Zen in the morning, at night, or in the middle of the night.
However, please do not do it before or after meals.
If you are hungry or full, you will not be able to concentrate.

You can wear what you want.
Any clothing that is easy to move in and makes you feel relaxed is fine.
The location should be as quiet as possible.
It is hard to concentrate if there is background noise.

Sitting requires a slight adjustment.
Sit on the floor, hip bones up, back straight, chest open and shoulders relaxed.
Your chin should be pulled back and your mouth closed.
Imagine that there is a string attached to the top of your head and that you are suspended from above by the string.

Your eyes should be looking at the floor about one meter in front of you. Keep your vision in a soft focus and relaxed, neither too tight nor too loose.

Next is breathing.
Take deep slow breaths at a steady intensity.

Finally, we will empty the mind.
Sounds hard, doesn’t it?
But don’t force it.
If you think of emptying your mind, that will itself become a distraction.
It’s not, “I mustn’t think!”, it’s simply letting the mind find nothingness.

If you sit firmly and focus on your breathing, your mind will naturally become empty.

Zen is loved by the world’s top executives. If you can start easily at home, why not give it a try?

ABE KENGO

• Japan
• japo
• Zen