What are the benefits of practicing Zazen?

2025.04.30

Practicing Zazen, a form of seated meditation rooted in Zen, offers a wealth of benefits for both mental and emotional well-being. Regular Zazen practice cultivates a heightened sense of present moment awareness, allowing individuals to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, 1 thereby reducing rumination and worry about the past or future. This focused attention can lead to increased concentration, improved cognitive function, and enhanced emotional regulation, fostering a greater capacity to respond to life’s challenges with equanimity rather than reactivity. Furthermore, Zazen promotes a deep sense of calm and relaxation by quieting the mental chatter and reducing stress hormones, contributing to lower anxiety levels and an overall feeling of inner peace and stillness.