Zen Meditation

*CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.1 — Reading
Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.

*CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.2 — Reading
Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.

*CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.3 — Reading
Analyze how and why individuals, events, or ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.

*CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.7 — Reading
Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.

*CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.8 — Reading
Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, including the validity of the reasoning as well as the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.

*CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.9 — Reading
Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approachs the authors take.

*CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10 — Reading
Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.

*CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1 — Comprehension and Collaboration
Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

*CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1.a– Comprehension and Collaboration
Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.

*CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.2 — Comprehension and Collaboration
Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.

Students will read primary and secondary sources about Zen Buddhism and Zen meditation in order to understand the history; differences in China, Korea, and Japan, and the benefits of meditation in various countries, people, and conditions.

Students will then explore and practice the method of Zen Meditation, especially breathing exercises.

Lastly, students will practice the 5-minute meditation every day during the lesson for 1 marking period and discuss if there are any changes physically and mentally.

Day 1:
• Each student researches on line and fill out a worksheet
• Presentation on what they researched and discussion based on their research
• Students practice Zen meditation
• After the meditation group discussion of the outcome
• After the one marking period of meditation practice, group discussion pro and con

Day 2: Practicing Zen Meditation
Watch the following video and practice 10 minutes of Zen meditation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyy0ra2WcQQ (20 minutes guided meditation)
Fill out the following:
What am I feeling before the meditation?
What am I feeling after the meditation?

If a teacher spends only one lesson, make a PowerPoint based on the Zen Worksheet and lecture. Then for the last 10 minutes the students may practice Zen meditation.

Day 3- end of marking period:
Practicing 5 minutes of Zen Meditation

At the end of the marking period, students will fill out the evaluation sheets.
If the evaluation is positive, submit a proposal to the high school administration.

https://www.wikihow.com/Begin-Zen-Meditation-%28Zazen%29 (how to meditate)

https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200105/the-science-meditation (Science of meditation)

https://news.mit.edu/2011/meditation-0505 (benefit of meditation)

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/meditation_for_anxiety_and_depression (anxiety and depression release)

https://goodlifezen.com/how-to-start-meditating-ten-important-tips/ (10 tips)

https://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20141107-is-this-the-cure-for-work-stress (office stress release)

https://www.meditationinschools.org/ (at schools)

https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/jobcenter/workplace/bruzzese/story/2012-07-08/meditation-helps-your-work/56071024/1 (meditation at work place)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i50ZAs7v9es&index=16&list=RDH654etTkJfs (guided 5 minutes meditation)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwzFOf9eilQ (Zen Buddhism)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RozWiUA-GCk (Zen meditation)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GSMRUl9UPo (how to meditate)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEIXijQctlQ (Zen and Brain)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf6Q0G1iHBI (Cognitive Neuroscience of Mindfulness Meditation)

Author
  • Natsuko Buurstra
  • Princeton High School
Grade Level
  • High School: 11, 12
Time Frame
  • 2 class periods (based on a 47-minute class)

If you have any questions about this lesson plan, or if you wish to contact the author, please email us at history@fpri.org