How Do I Know If I’m Doing Zazen Right? A Beginner’s Guide to Trusting Your Practice

Introduction

When beginning Zazen, one of the most common questions is: “How do I know if I’m doing this right?”

With no flashy results, no app scores, and no one to evaluate you, it’s easy to wonder if you’re missing something.

The good news? If you’re sitting with sincerity, you’re already on the path.

This article helps clarify what “doing Zazen right” really means — and why the answer may be simpler (and more encouraging) than you think.

Zazen Is Not About Performance

First, understand this key point: Zazen is not a technique to master — it’s a posture of being.

It’s not about:

• Stopping all thoughts
• Feeling blissful
• Sitting in perfect stillness

It’s about:

• Sitting with presence
• Returning to the breath
• Observing thoughts without judgment

There is no gold star in Zen. The reward is the practice itself.

Signs You’re Practicing Zazen Effectively

You might be doing Zazen “right” if:

• You show up regularly, even for just a few minutes
• You notice your breath and your thoughts
• You return to the present when you drift
• You don’t force a result
• You approach the practice with humility and patience

If this sounds like you — you’re practicing.

“The most important thing is to sit down.” — Shunryu Suzuki

Common Misconceptions About “Doing It Right”

Misconception 1: “I can’t stop thinking.”
Truth: You’re not supposed to. The point is noticing, not controlling.

Misconception 2: “I get distracted easily.”
Truth: That’s normal. Noticing distraction and returning is the practice.

Misconception 3: “I don’t feel peaceful.”
Truth: Some days are stormy. Zazen is not about changing how you feel, but staying present with it.

How to Strengthen Your Zazen Practice

1. Sit consistently
Even 5 minutes daily builds stability.

2. Use simple guidance
Read a short instruction or listen to a bell to begin.

3. Reflect afterward
Note how you feel, what distracted you, and what brought you back.

4. Stay curious
There is no finish line — just the next breath.

Conclusion: Trust the Sitting

Zazen is not about doing it “right.” It’s about doing it honestly.

If you sit, breathe, and return — you’re doing it. No matter how messy or mind-wandering the session may seem, the effort itself is the practice.

How do you know if you’re doing Zazen right? You sat. That’s enough.