“Zen meditation is meant to bring an end to the delusory and destructive ego, not to serve it as a means for achieving its ends.” MeditationEgoZen Book:Zen Pathways: An Introduction to the Philosophy and Practice of Zen Buddhism Source: Zen Pathways: An Introduction to the Philosophy and Practice of Zen Buddhism
“Meditation periods in monasteries can be as long as fifty minutes or more, but this is appropriate only if it does not cause too much discomfort and if one is able to maintain concentration for that long. During intensive Zen retreats, called sesshin, practitioners sit for twelve hours or more per day. But don't let this scare you off, just as it should not scare off beginning joggers to know that some super-athletes run double marathons. Always start where you are. After all, where else could you start?” MeditationMonasteries Book:Zen Pathways: An Introduction to the Philosophy and Practice of Zen Buddhism Source: Zen Pathways: An Introduction to the Philosophy and Practice of Zen Buddhism