Samadhi: Self Development in Zen, Swordsmanship, and Psychotherapy (Suny Series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology)

The key to self-development, says Mike Sayama, is the experience of Samadhi, a state of relaxed concentration in which the individual neither freezes out of fear nor clings due to desire. Simply stated, samadhi is the free flow of vital energy within the body and between the body and the universe. Moving effortlessly across traditions and techniques, Sayama discovers that sages throughout history--Greek philosophers, German mystics, Indian seers, and our own Albert Einstein among others--have taught that this experience of transcendental oneness lies at the heart of full self-realization. The first part of the book studies self-realization in Zen Buddhism. The author pinpoints its essence in Buddha's enlightenment. The development of Zen is then traced, continuing down to living masters who in very recent times have transplanted their lineages from Japan to the United States. Sayama notes that we must choose as masters those to whom the authentic teaching has been transmitted through generations, and he examines in loving detail the sometimes strange and astonishing behaviors of those whose very presence communicates the state of samadhi. The second part of the book presents Zen therapy, a way of self-development emphasizing the cultivation of samadhi through psychophysical training. Sayama compares the effects of Rolfing, Feldenkrais, and Zen therapy on the human body and mind. He includes easy-to-follow directions for creating the inner state he describes. He tells vivid stories of extraordinary cases treated from the point of view that the best therapy is nothing less than the removal of all dualism. Four main practices are presented: zazen (meditation), hara development, circulation of the vital energy, and communication. The key to self-development, says Mike Sayama, is the experience of Samadhi, a state of relaxed concentration in which the individual neither freezes out of fear nor clings due to desire. Simply stated, samadhi is the free flow of vital energy within the body and between the body and the universe. Moving effortlessly across traditions and techniques, Sayama discovers that sages throughout history—Greek philosophers, German mystics, Indian seers, and our own Albert Einstein among others—have taught that this experience of transcendental oneness lies at the heart of full self-realization.The first part of the book studies self-realization in Zen Buddhism. The author pinpoints its essence in Buddha's enlightenment. The development of Zen is then traced, continuing down to living masters who in very recent times have transplanted their lineages from Japan to the United States. Sayama notes that we must choose as masters those to whom the authentic teaching has been transmitted through generations, and he examines in loving detail the sometimes strange and astonishing behaviors of those whose very presence communicates the state of samadhi.The second part of the book presents Zen therapy, a way of self-development emphasizing the cultivation of samadhi through psychophysical training. Sayama compares the effects of Rolfing, Feldenkrais, and Zen therapy on the human body and mind. He includes easy-to-follow directions for creating the inner state he describes. He tells vivid stories of extraordinary cases treated from the point of view that the best therapy is nothing less than the removal of all dualism. Four main practices are presented: zazen (meditation), hara development, circulation of the vital energy, and communication.Mike Sayama graduated from Yale University summa cum laude and received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan. He has been training in Zen and the martial arts for more than ten years under Tanouye Tenshin Roshi. Currently, he is a member of the board of directors and the educational staff of the Institute for Zen Studies in Hawaii. Samadhi Contents Preface List of Photographs and Illustrations Interpenetration, The Buddha's Enlightenment The Chozen-Ji Line China Japan America Bodhidharma The Twofold Entrance to Tao Hui-neng Ta-chien The Platform Sutra Lin-chi I-hsuan The Record of Lin-Chi Hakuin Ekaku The Song of Zazen Omori Sogen An Introduction to Zen Discipline Tanouye Tenshin The Record of Immovable Wisdom and Divine Mystery 1. Mumyo Juchi Bonno 2. Shobutsu Fudo-chi 3. Honshin Moshin 4. Ushin Mushin 5. Motomu hoshin, Shin Yo Ho Zen Therapy The Way: A Philosophy of Life The Transcendent Unconscious and the True Self Creative Problem Solving Milton Erickson Nick Cummings Mind-Body Training Zazen Precautions Hara Development Circulating Energy Communication Training Retreats All Ways Are One in the End The Book of Five Rings Notes Interpenetration, The Buddha's Enlightenment (pp. 1-13) Bodhidharma (pp. 19-24) Hui-Neng Ta-Chien (pp. 25-30) Lin-Chi I-Hsuan (pp. 31-38) Hakuin Ekaku (pp. 39-52) Omori Sogen (pp. 53-63) Tanouye Tenshin (pp. 65-76) The Way: A Philosophy of Life (pp. 79-90) The Transcendent Unconscious and the True Self (pp. 91-98) Creative Problem Solving (pp. 99-118) Mind-Body Training (pp. 119-138) All Ways are One in the End (pp. 139-146) Bibliography Index A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O R S T U V W Y Z Interpenetration, The Buddha's Enlightenment -- The Chozen-ji Line -- Bodhidharma -- Hui-neng Ta-chien -- Lin-chi I-hsuan -- Hakuin Ekaku -- Omori Sogen -- Tanouye Tenshin -- Zen Therapy -- The Way: A Philosophy Of Life -- The Transcendent Unconscious And The True Self -- Creative Problem Solving -- Mind-body Training -- All Ways Are One In The End. Mike K. Sayama. Includes Index. Bibliography: P. 154-156.