The True Path to Calm, Anger Management, and Anxiety Relief — Zen Meditation

Zen meditation is one of the key practices in Buddhism and a traditional Chinese method for nurturing both body and mind. It has had a profound influence on Chinese culture. The word “Zen” can be interpreted as “serene contemplation,” and “Zen meditation” refers to the cultivation and development of the mind. Through Zen meditation, a person’s wisdom is awakened, leading to “enlightenment of the mind” and eventually attaining the highest wisdom of understanding the true nature of all things. This is the Buddhist state of “realizing nirvana.”

Seeking Happiness

Everyone in the world pursues an ideal life through various methods and paths. While each person’s understanding and vision of an ideal life may vary greatly, the pursuit of happiness is a common thread. In fact, happiness is an essential and irreplaceable element of an ideal life. People try various approaches to achieve this goal. In modern society, the rising rates of divorce, immigration, and job-hopping indicate how people continuously change their lifestyle rhythms and directions in the search for inner happiness and satisfaction.

In reality, every aspect of life, whether significant or trivial, is a way for people to pursue happiness. Students study diligently, athletes train hard, and individuals strive for their dreams—these are their ways of seeking happiness. Mothers raising children and the elderly growing flowers or caring for birds also find happiness in their own ways. Modern trends like video games, iPods, handheld devices, and multifunctional smartphones are all tools people use to seek happiness. Similarly, returning to nature, eating healthy food, practicing yoga, and engaging in Zen meditation are all methods for finding true happiness.

What Is True Happiness?

The purpose of life is to seek happiness. Each of us is constantly pursuing the better aspects of life, avoiding suffering and distress. But what is true, lasting, and reliable happiness? Many people may not have a clear answer.

1. The Root of the Problem
   The root of all problems lies in our perception of things. We not only view things as if they exist permanently, but also believe that they can bring us satisfaction. However, this view is inherently flawed. We instinctively assume that things exist with inherent qualities and characteristics, having fixed properties and inner substance.

   In other words, we think things have fixed qualities—good or bad, beautiful or ugly, attractive or repulsive—and assume these qualities exist within the objects themselves, independent of our views or other factors. Once this misconception becomes habitual, it can cause us to see everything through a biased lens.

2. Reliable and Lasting Happiness
   Zen meditation is a way to achieve reliable and lasting happiness. Through meditation, we can find happiness at any time, in any place, and under any circumstance. When our mind has the power to heal pain and create joy, we can use that power to free ourselves from dissatisfaction, anger, anxiety, and other sources of unhappiness, thereby freeing ourselves from psychological and emotional pain. Ultimately, when we understand the true nature of things, the root causes of disturbing emotions and states will be completely eliminated, and we will achieve reliable and lasting happiness.

Zen Meditation: Training the Mind and Uncovering Inner Wisdom

1. The Activity of Mind and Consciousness
   The mind consists of sensory consciousness and mental consciousness. Sensory consciousness refers to vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, while mental consciousness includes intellectual processes, emotions, memories, and dreams. From the intense experiences of anger and desire to the subtle levels of stillness and clarity, all are included. Zen meditation is an activity of mental consciousness; it is a way to train the mind. One part of the mind observes, analyzes, and processes the other parts, which helps reduce attachment, broaden our perspective, and make the mind clear, resilient, and peaceful.

   In Tibetan, Zen meditation means “familiarization.” What appears in our minds is usually what we are most familiar with. If someone treats us with hostility, making us feel hurt or angry, it’s because these responses are feelings we are accustomed to or have become habitual. Buddhist meditation trains us to become familiar with positive mental states such as loving-kindness, compassion, patience, peace, and wisdom. Eventually, these positive states will naturally emerge. When we encounter hostility, we can remain calm and patient, even responding with compassion.

2. The Ultimate Goal of Zen Meditation
   The ultimate goal of Zen meditation is enlightenment, awakening the most subtle levels of consciousness, which leads to a direct, intuitive discovery of reality. If we remember this goal during meditation, we can reap great benefits in a short time. As the rigid view of reality softens, we simultaneously develop a more positive and appropriate self-image, allowing us to feel more at ease. We learn not to hold unrealistic expectations of others and situations, which in turn prevents feelings of disappointment. This improvement can greatly enhance interpersonal relationships and lead to lasting and fulfilling happiness.

Zen meditation can take different forms of practice, but they all share a common principle: helping the mind become familiar with positive and beneficial states. Whether it involves focusing on a single object, contemplating a personal issue, praying with devotion, or engaging in inner dialogue with one’s wisdom, developing compassion for all beings leads to enlightenment. This is the realization of the Mahayana Buddhist practice, and attaining this realization can guide all practitioners, helping them achieve their own spiritual success.