Silence Meditation (Jing Zuo) is a technique of sitting quietly for an extended period, which helps the mind to become familiar with everything occurring in the current moment(1).
Introduction to Jing Zuo Meditation
Silence (Jing Zuo) Meditation is a formless meditation method that requires the practitioners to simply sit quietly(1). Jing zuo does not depend on too much technique. It is a simple meditation method that has no other goal but to just silently sit and become mindful about the present moment(1). Jing zuo is a sitting meditation in Confucianism. It has many other names in different traditions: Zuowang (sitting in forgetfulness) in Taoism, Dzogchen in Tibetan traditions, Lhatong (clear seeing) in the Mahamudra, and Shikantaza (just sitting) in Japanese Zen(1).
The Silence (Jing Zuo) Meditation technique focuses on recognizing the occurrence of the current moment and becoming aware of it. The practice primarily helps the meditators to achieve mindfulness(1).
History/Origins of Jing Zuo Meditation
Jing zuo is a type of meditation that can be commonly found in Neo-Confucianism(2). According to Zhu Xi, the roots of this technique can be traced back to Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi, the duo famously known as the Cheng Brothers(2). However, Silence (Jing Zuo) Meditation is not clearly mentioned in the brothers’ writings. Zhu Xi himself recommended that one must practice this meditation for half a day, and use the other half for studying. But there are multiple different variations of the Jing zuo technique, even within the tradition of Confucianism(2). Jing zuo or ‘quiet sitting’ as a meditation method is still practiced in Japan by some Confucians(2).
Benefits of Jing Zuo Meditation
According to a research article(4), meditation techniques that involve simply sitting help develop mindfulness-awareness. This quality is essential for nurturing natural social intelligence skills. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology(5) suggests that mindfulness-based methods like Jing zuo Meditation have the potential to significantly reduce stress. As per the article, continuous practice of it can also treat physical, psychological, and psychiatric conditions.
References
- Springer International Publishing | Spirituality and Sustainability: New Horizons and Exemplary Approaches, Edited by Joan Marques and Satinder Dhiman | Page 140
- Taylor & Francis | The Encyclopedia of Confucianism: 2-volume Set by Xinzhong Yao | Page 302
- Harmony/Rodale | The Beginner’s Guide to Zen Buddhism by Jean Smith | Page 31
- Spirituality and Sustainability | 2016 | Page 139-153 | Formless Meditation and Sustainability by Michael Carroll
- Journal of Clinical Psychology | Volume 67, Issue 4 | 2011 | Page 404-424 | Mindfulness-based approaches: are they all the same? by Alberto Chiesa and Peter Malinowski
