Originally Posted by
Green_Dreads
I'm having a lot of trouble with breathing in zazen. I began Zazen about two years ago...
Are you under the gauidance of a Zen master or experienced teacher, or are you doing this on your own?
Originally Posted by
Green_Dreads
...I still find it hard to breath without taking extremely heavy breaths in and out, pushing the air out harshly and taking it in rapidly. I find this happens as soon as I focus on the breathing. Any help?
If you don't have guidance, here's one suggestion: go back to the beginning.
Start not by concentrating on your breathing as it is, but by adjusting your breathing; training your breathing.
One method is to slowly count from one to ten (in your mind) as you breath in, and then again as you breath out. Keep repeating this until your session ends. (If practicing alone, use a kitchen timer or alarm clock to signal the end of your session.) Start with short periods of 10 - 15 minutes (even less if you really have trouble at first), and increase your time as you progress.
Most people will find that suddenly they catch themselves mentally counting "13" or "21" -- an indication that their concentration waned. Unless you have a kaishaku with you to provide a reminder not to do that again just start over at 1 on the next exhalation. After a time you'll find your ability to stay focused -- without focusing -- improves, and you can move on to other types of meditation that suit you.
BTW, if you really wan't to go all out, this company has some interesting timers for Zen and Yoga practice: Now & Zen
Here's one of their nicer/pricier models:
Yours in Budo,
---Brian---