TAKEMUSU AIKIDO ONLINE DOJO
NEW MEDITATION CLASSES
STARTING December 2023
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW…
Tuesdays:
13:00-14:00 CET
Thursdays:
13:00-14:00 CET
Welcome to our new group meditation class at the Takemusu Aikido Online Dojo, focusing on sitting meditation, known as Shikantaza (‘just sitting’). We seek to cultivate a present-centered, calm, and open-focused state of awareness. This mindset involves engaging with ‘what is’ and relinquishing resistance and reactivity.
See below for full details and how to join in.
“Stillness really means to be in a state of nonresistance.”
— Adyashanti
Register now:
PRACTICE schedule:
All classes are online, live, and interactive – taken as part of a group via Zoom Meetings.
The Meditation Classes will run to the following schedule:
Tuesdays: 13:00-14:00 CET
Thursdays: 13:00-14:00 CET
IMPORTANT – All times are Central European Time (CET)
You can convert the class times to your local time zone using the following:
ZOOM MEETING INFO:
We use the same meeting number for all the classes – so this will not change. Zoom will save the number for you so you shouldn’t need to re-enter it for every class, just select the Takemusu Aikido Online Dojo.
ZOOM MEETING LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5385646359
Meeting ID: 538 564 6359
If you haven’t used Zoom before, the best thing is to download to your PC or Laptop.
What is ‘SHIKANTAZA’ meditation?
In ‘just sitting’ meditation, we release all mental postures, embracing non-resistance. As we allow everything to be as it is—sensations, feelings, thoughts—we confront restlessness, impatience, and distractions. As in Aikido, we don’t resist or fight the mind; we notice without judgment and let go.
Shikantaza isn’t the same as ‘concentration’ or ‘contemplation’ orientated practices. In the first we collect our attention by concentrating on an object, and in the second we dwell deeply on an issue or question, open to the possibility of direct insight into the matter. Both of these practices are valuable and certainly have their place at times. However, the practice of Shikantaza (‘just sitting’) is to let go of all mental postures and goals.
It’s an invitation to simply ‘be.’
“Nothing is better for a man than to be without anything, having no asceticism, no theory, no practice. When he is without anything, he is with everything.”
— Abu Yazid Al-Bistami
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Each class begins with a 10-minute loosening routine, these are gentle movements that prepare you for the meditation period and are a useful transition from previous daily activities.
At the heart of the class lies a 40-minute sitting meditation session. Rooted in the Zen tradition, Shikantaza encourages a non-goal-oriented, open awareness practice. The ringing of a bell signifies the beginning and end of the meditation session.
Concluding the session, the final 10 minutes are dedicated to stretching and releasing, allowing you to bring movement back to the body and gradually transition from the meditative state.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PRACTICE:
Comfortable Seating: Find a cushion (zafu) or chair that supports an upright posture. Your comfort is key to a rewarding meditation experience. Ideally, you will have a minimum of 2×2 m for the exercises.
Yoga mat: (or similar soft surface) is recommended although not necessary, some parts of the classes will work on the floor, however alternatives are always possible.
Quiet Space: Choose a calm environment to minimize distractions. Inform others in your household that you will be practising. Ensure your space is neither too hot nor cold.
Duration: Be aware of the expected session duration. If you need to leave early for any reason, just leave. If you can rejoin at a later point, please do so.
Loose Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing to enhance relaxation and ease during both the meditation and movement practice. Dress in a way that allows for unhindered movement.
three commitments FOR MEDITATION:
1. Be still.
2. Allow each moment to be exactly as it is.
3. When the mind wanders, patiently and compassionately bring it back.
For a deeper exploration of this practice, we recommend Adyashanti’s ‘True Meditation’, and for valuable insights from a martial artist’s perspective, explore Peter Ralston’s works like ‘The Book Of Not Knowing’ and ‘Zen Body Being.’
CLASS FEE:
The Online Dojo operates on a ‘By Donation’ basis, with the class fee being self-determined. If you wish to become a member of the Online Dojo, then please see our Membership page. A suggested donation for a single class is 5-8 Euros. If you are experiencing financial hardship, you are welcome to attend for less; likewise, if you have more financial means and the teachings have offered you something of value, you are welcome to offer more. Your support is sincerely appreciated, enabling the continued offering of these teachings within our Online Aikido community.
Donations can be made through PayPal using the following link, or contact for alternative options:
TAKEMUSU AIKIDO ONLINE DOJO 