Bodhi Day honors the day Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. This significant event in Buddhist tradition is not only a cornerstone of spiritual practice but also a celebration. Across the world, Bodhi Day is commemorated by diverse customs and traditions. This sacred day inspires us to embrace the light of wisdom and… Read more »
Still Sitting Meditation Blog
The 12 Days Of Stillness Sale 2024
The holiday season is upon us, so it’s once again time for the “12 Days of Stillness” sale to highlight some of our favorite products! Find a meaningful gift for yourself or a loved one this year — at a great discount. Each day from December 4-15, we will offer a discount on a different… Read more »
A Brief History of Green Tea
Green tea, Camellia sinensis, with its vibrant color, rich culture, and caffeine kick is as popular today as it was centuries ago. From the courts of Chinese kingdoms to Japanese Zen monasteries, and even your local Starbucks, the history of green tea stretches across cultures and countries. Green tea is more than just a drink… Read more »
Meditation and Mindfulness Holiday Gift Guide – 2024
This holiday season, do something different: share a gift that will inspire action. Our 2024 Meditation and Mindfulness Holiday Gift Guide is filled with thoughtful, intentionally crafted products. Founded by Buddhist monks, Still Sitting takes pride in offering meditation cushions and clothing designed and made right here in Washington. We also offer a wide range… Read more »
The Great Buddha of Kamakura
If you venture just south of Tokyo to the ancient capital city of Kamakura, you’ll find the “Great Buddha” or Daibutsu statue, one of Japan’s most famous cultural treasures. Looming large against the sky at an impressive 11.4 meters (37.4 feet) tall, the bronze-cast Great Buddha is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan, second… Read more »
Meditation and High Blood Pressure
Maybe you’ve heard that meditation can help manage stress, but did you know it can actually improve your blood pressure? High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a leading contributor to heart attack and stroke. In the United States alone, nearly half of adults have high blood pressure — that’s nearly 120 million people. … Read more »
The History of Japanese Lacquerware
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 »
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 »
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