Japanese lacquerware, known as shikki (漆器), has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The art of applying layers of lacquer to wood, bamboo, and other materials has become highly refined over the centuries, evolving into a prized cultural art form. Lacquerware first emerged during the Jomon period in Japan (14,000–300 BCE), where archaeological… Read more »
Author: Still Sitting
What is the best time to meditate?
If you’re just starting your own meditation practice, creating a sustainable routine is very important. Meditation practice is just like going to the gym or studying a language: it is built on consistency. You’ll reap the greatest rewards from meditation when you are able to get into a rhythm of daily practice. To create a… Read more »
Kapok or buckwheat in your zafu
It’s the eternal question: Which zafu stuffing — kapok or buckwheat? When choosing your zafu meditation cushion, what goes inside is just as important as the fabric surrounding it. Yes, you can put almost anything inside a zafu, and over the centuries, Buddhist monks have, but the two best options today are kapok and buckwheat.… Read more »
What is a mokugyo (fish drum)?
The mokugyo, also known as a “fish drum” or “wooden fish,” is a traditional percussion instrument of East Asian Buddhist traditions, including China, Japan, and Korea. The word “mokugyo” comes from the Japanese characters “moku” (木), meaning wood, and “gyo” (魚), meaning fish, which reflects its shape and material. As the name implies, the mokugyo… Read more »
Meditation and the Immune System
Meditation is known to have significant effects on mental health, including reducing stress and anxiety. However, meditation can also affect the body and its myriad biological systems as well. In recent decades, research on the mind-body connection — the concept that the brain is able to influence the body in substantive, measurable ways (and vice… Read more »
Hotei the Laughing Buddha
You have likely seen him everywhere, from designer jeans to wellness products: a rotund, laughing Buddha. Known as Hotei in Japan or Budai in China, he is one of the most recognizable and beloved symbols in East Asian traditions. With his big belly, jolly smile, and ever-present sack, Hotei represents prosperity, joy, and abundance. Who… Read more »
A Brief History of Japanese Incense
Incense has played a significant role in Japanese culture for centuries, prized among courtesans, priests, and aristocrats alike. The introduction of incense to Japan can be traced back to the 6th century with the arrival of Buddhism. Its first recorded appearance was in 595, under the reign of Empress Suiko. As the story goes, an… Read more »
What is an Oryoki bowl set?
Mindfulness during mealtime is the goal of Oryoki, a philosophy of Zen Buddhism that is more important today than ever before. In a world of fast food, Oryoki asks you to slow down. An Oryoki bowl set consists of three nested bowls, cloths, and accompanying utensils that are all at once, minimalist, functional, and symbolic.… Read more »
Manjushri the Bodhisattva of Wisdom
With a flaming sword held aloft and the visage of a fresh-faced boy, Manjushri the Bodhisattva of Wisdom strikes an imposing figure. Manjushri is a preeminent figure in Buddhist traditions from India to Japan. The various symbols with which he is depicted, including his sword and seemingly perpetual youth, are all bound to his renown… Read more »
How to care for a zafu
Your zafu is not just a cushion. It is a symbol of your commitment. So, when we make a zafu, we take it seriously. We craft these cushions carefully, using durable materials that are meant to last. You should have confidence knowing that when you purchase a cushion from Still Sitting, you’re getting a premium… Read more »
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