Head-Free Zazen

Yes, you get it. You understand what being ‘awake’ means and have glimpsed the unknown. But you miss your daily meditation, your practice. Don’t worry. Here’s a suggestion on how to blend your usual Zazen practice (also known as shikantaza) with the fact that you are decapitated. Go ahead (or a-head) and give it a try. 

Sit on a cushion. Cross legs in half-lotus, full lotus, or any botanical arrangement that keeps your spine upright.

Rest your hands in your lap with the palms facing up. Place your right hand on top of your left so the fingers of the bottom hand support the back of the top hand. Lightly touch the tips of your thumbs together, forming a gentle oval. This stable position helps keep the hands still.

With your eyes partially open, gaze at the floor a few feet ahead.

For a few minutes, just sit. Notice the physical sensation of your breath. Thoughts will occur. Let them come and go without giving them your attention. The only task is to remain seated.

Raise your index finger and point it back at the space where your face is. Based on direct, visual evidence, what is there? You cannot see your head from this perspective. Instead, your visual field is filled with your surroundings. You are looking from an empty space. All you find is a boundless, head-free arena where sounds, sensations, and stray worries cavort.

Lower your hand and rest it on your lap (as explained above), but keep your attention on this observation: the feeling of your breath, the sounds around you, and your thoughts are all arising in this field of view where your head isn't.

Continue to maintain this headless perspective.

After about ten minutes, move your fingers and toes, and stand up headless.

Hopefully and paradoxically, you will be more clear-headed than when you sat down.