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Cultivating compassion and lovingkindness is a crucial part of Zen meditation from "summary" of Dogen's Manuals of Zen Meditation by Carl Bielefeldt
The practice of Zen meditation involves much more than simply sitting in silence. It is about cultivating a deep sense of compassion and lovingkindness towards oneself and others. This concept is emphasized in Dogen's teachings, as he believed that without compassion, our meditation practice is incomplete. When we sit in meditation, we are not just focusing on our own thoughts and feelings. We are also opening ourselves up to the suffering of others and developing a sense of empathy and understanding towards them. This is crucial in Zen practice, as it helps us to transcend our own ego and develop a more inclusive and compassionate outlook on life. By cultivating compassion and lovingkindness in our meditation practice, we are able to connect more deeply with the world around us and develop a sense of interconnectedness with all beings. This sense of unity is essential in Zen, as it helps us to break free from the illusion of separateness and see the true nature of reality. Through the practice of compassion and lovingkindness, we are able to let go of our own selfish desires and cultivate a more selfless attitude towards others. This is not always easy, as it requires us to look beyond our own needs and desires and truly empathize with the suffering of others. However, by doing so, we are able to cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment that transcends our own individual concerns.- The cultivation of compassion and lovingkindness is a crucial part of Zen meditation. It helps us to develop a more inclusive and compassionate outlook on life, transcend our own ego, and connect more deeply with the world around us. Through this practice, we are able to let go of our own selfish desires and cultivate a more selfless attitude towards others.
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