Dhamma Wheel Buddhist Forum

Why is it in Theravada it's more common to close the eyes and in Mayahana it's more common to have the eyes open, or half open?

The difference btween Theravada and Soto Zen is simply that the latter isn't intent on developing one-pointed concentration but rather an abiding within the present moment. As far as other Mahayana traditions go though I'm not sure. Good luck in your search.

How did you know I was practicing soto zen?

I kind of knew the answer to my question within myself but wanted to know what you thought. Saying this I do do Vipassana as well as zazen.

greggorious wrote:Why is it in Theravada it's more common to close the eyes and in Mayahana it's more common to have the eyes open, or half open?

I think its a matter of preference for the individual meditator more so than a matter of tradition. I have read of Theravadan teachers who recommend keeping the eyes open in meditation and have read Zen teachers who say there is nothing wrong with sitting with eyes closed. I myself often sit with eyes half open to ward off drowsiness. Its best for each person to find what suits them rather than going by some hard and fast rule.

Thanks Bodom, I practice Zen but I am influenced by Theravada too. In fact I see more in common with theravada than with other Mayahana school, maybe I'm alone in that?

Most Zennists I know I quite strict with eyes open. When at the zendo I follow tradition, when at home I'll close my eyes cos I find it too distracting with eyes open.

greggorious wrote:Thanks Bodom, I practice Zen but I am influenced by Theravada too.

And I am a practicing "Theravadan" with a strong influence from the Zen tradition.

In fact I see more in common with theravada than with other Mayahana school..

I as well. When sitting on the cushion I see no difference between my current vipassana practice and my former zazen practice. I am not concerned with the petty doctrinal disputes as I am with the actual practice of Buddhadhamma.

Most Zennists I know I quite strict with eyes open. When at the zendo I follow tradition, when at home I'll close my eyes cos I find it too distracting with eyes open.

Whatever suits you. The important point in meditation is watching the body/mind process rather than the wall/floor in front of you or the backs of the eyelids.

Buddhadasa often told his students to meditate with eyes open as well. I prefer closed but I don't think it's all too important really.

The only difference between my previous "Zazen" practice, and my current "Vipassasana" practice I see is the huge amount of free resources available in theravada to help me progress

hi greg
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you told us all you practiced soto zen

I often find it depends on the sitting not just drowsiness, but how comfortable it is to fully close my eyes, although some teachers say gently close, i.e. not fully closed yet not half open.

Some people say when you close yours eyes it's like a wall that would be very close: if you throw a ball against the wall it returns immediately and it is difficult to control. It would happen the same with thoughts. Hey, this is an explanation ... I have not found very persuasive by experimenting...
Now, if you keep your eyes open and fix a point about 30cm in front of you in space, you will see that:
1. it is not easy
2. it helps to focus significantly
Finally, other explanations are related to channels and energy which would be connected to the eyes. By keeping your eyes open, we allow this energy to mix with the space. You connect the inner space to outer space. it greatly facilitates the overcoming of the feeling of ego.
That said, those who lean in favor of closed eyes have certainly arguments even more convincing.
The most interesting is perhaps the question at a time: why I like to meditate eyes open (or closed) ... And change