Walking meditation practice is the practice of mindfulness while walking. It is the cultivation of stillness and the clarity that accompanies it while engaged in simple and natural bodily movement. It is like taking the experience found in meditation while sitting on the road. The attentive and alert but relaxed state is put to the test when the body gets involved in activity.
Our tendency to hurry up or move through space mindlessly is challenged by the intent to be utterly present and mindful instead. One way to do this is to engage in what we call walking meditation (to meditate while walking). Gautama Buddha apparently move very slowly while walking, remaining absolutely conscious with every step.
The practice of walking meditation is valued and practiced in the Zen tradition. It is called Kinhin. If you participate in a Zen retreat (or Sesshin), Kinhin (walking meditation) is likely to be part of your week's practice. This classic or traditional form of walking meditation has its own structure and form. It is a break from seated-style meditation (Zazen), and the group walks together in a clockwise circle, coordinating steps with the breath.
Walking Meditation Interviews
I have had the pleasure of interviewing a number of individuals who practice some form of walking or moving meditation. These interviews are done by email. Unlike a dictionary-style description, these testimonials reveal intimate details that can only come from the direct experience shared by those who meditate. If you practice any form of walking meditation, please consider sharing your story by participating in a meditation interview.
Types and Forms of Meditation
Walking meditation is only one of many types of meditation. Other forms include sitting meditation, standing meditation, bowing meditation, and kneeling meditation. These forms focus on the position and activity (or inactivity) of the body. Other forms of meditation, less associated with the body's position (though activity-related) are breathing meditation, mindfulness meditation, koan practice, empty mind meditation, insight meditation, and tantra meditation.
With the multitude of forms and approaches, one might ask what meditation is, or even what is the point of meditation. Practically anything can become a form of meditation, including surfing as meditation, art and drawing as meditation, running as meditation, life as meditation, and guided relaxation-style meditations on CD or DVD. Anything can be meditative.
Ask Questions about Meditation
If you have any nagging questions in regard to any practice of meditation, please consider posing them to this blog at this link: questions about meditation.
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