Zen and Zen Shiatsu Training

THE STORY OF ZEN

Zen began in India as a Buddhist discipline and was brought to China by a sage called Bodhidharma.  Zen came to Japan around the end of the 1100s and quickly evolved beyond the belief system of Buddhism, to influence the way of thinking, their behavior and aesthetics.  Zen gave expression to many forms of cultural life.  Genyu Sokyu, Zen monk and author, says Zen is "Strict yet easygoing".  Two seemingly contradictory approaches.  What springs to your mind when you hear the word, “Zen”?  Actually, Zen is dynamic and free.

Zen developed in China in two discreet sects before coming to Japan.  The Northern School (Hokushuzen) spoke of doctrine and asceticism and the southern school (Nanshuzen)stressed a relaxed approach to oneself over doctrine.  At first, the southern approach was initially accepted and then the northern approach was incorporated over time.

Diversity

In lies the acceptance of two ways, “Ryoko”.  The concept originally developed in Chinese Taoist classic, “Zhuangzi”.  It suggests instead of looking at life in absolute terms; it is more effective to consider its opposite; placing one in relation to the other.  This way of thinking became very popular.

Shinto

Long before, Buddhism’s arrival, the Japanese believed in life in all things animate and inanimate and honored it with various rituals.  Chanting, sound vibration and water purification were just some of the preparation on our paths of development.

The Japanese openness towards diverse values prepared the way for acceptance of Zen’s both sides.

Belief in our Inner Nature

The answer lies in Zen’s belief that every human being is endowed with an original nature at birth that is self-contained.  It does not require the pursuit of something extraneous.  And since humans are born with an innate Buddhahood (the potential to become a Buddha or an Awakened One).  Instead, one was directed to look inside themselves.  However, our true nature is wrapped inside an ego.  It is our Mind that is trapped inside an illusion that the ego has created by knowledge and experience.  To uncover our inner nature; one must work at transforming your mind and unwrap our true nature.

Chinese and Japanese Medicine

Buddhist Monks brought The Yellow Emperor’s Guide to Internal Medicine

The Yellow Emperor’s guide treated organ energy channels which today we call acupuncture or acupressure lines.  There are five distinct regional areas in China.  Each geographic area was treated differently to be effective.

Acupressure was highly effective for regions in Japan and they adopted this practice.  Chinese Acupressure then evolved into Japanese Shiatsu (Shi=finger, Atsu=pressure).  Then in 1972; Shizuto Masanuga added Zen to Shiatsu.  There is acupressure line stretching whilst applying deep pressure on the acupressure points.  This activates a deep internal nervous system within us.  Complete homeostasis is accomplished while flushing these lines of congestion and tension.  In other words, a complete body reset. 

 Zen Shiatsu is gentle and effective, not painful like Chinese acupressure can be.  Zen Shiatsu is preventative medicine at its best.  The Japanese received Shiatsu once a month to effectively prevent illness.