The characters combine to mean “to perform the act of sitting,” but the context imbues it with the specific, profound meaning of formal meditation.
打坐 (dǎzuò) is a cornerstone of spiritual practice in China, primarily associated with Chan (Zen) Buddhism (禅 - Chán) and Taoism (道教 - Dàojiào). For monks and serious practitioners, it is not merely a relaxation technique but a path toward self-realization, wisdom (慧 - huì), and enlightenment. A helpful comparison for Western learners is the distinction between “meditation” and 打坐 (dǎzuò). “Meditation” in the West has become a broad term, often encompassing secular mindfulness apps, guided visualizations, or simply listening to calming music. 打坐, however, is more specific and traditional. It strongly implies: 1. A Specific Posture: Usually sitting on a cushion with legs crossed in a full-lotus or half-lotus position (盘腿 - pántuǐ). 2. A Specific Technique: Focusing on the breath and observing thoughts without judgment to achieve a state of deep concentration (入定 - rùdìng). 3. A Spiritual Heritage: It is directly linked to ancient philosophical and religious lineages aimed at understanding the nature of reality and the mind. While a Westerner might say, “I'm meditating” while listening to a guided track on their phone, that would more accurately be called 冥想 (míngxiǎng) in Chinese. 打坐 refers to the unguided, self-disciplined practice of sitting.
While its roots are deeply spiritual, 打坐 is widely understood and increasingly practiced by laypeople in modern China for its health and wellness benefits.
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