The Very Gradual A to Z guide to Zimmer Zen - finally got there

W is for Wesak (party time)

This term is used to denote a festival held to mark the birth, death and enlightenment of the Buddha, and is generally celebrated in the Theravadin traditions. It usually falls on a full-moon night in May each year and provides an ideal opportunity to have a party - no alcohol or other mind-altering substances allowed of course.

Zim-Zen Tip: These can be joyous occasions and provides an opportunity to reflect upon the Buddha and the founder of Zimmer Zen, Sid Arthur-itis. However be sure to take an ordinary nap (as opposed to a power nap) in the afternoon as these sort of things can go on late into the night. It's also probably a good idea to bring something warm to wear as you may be required to be outdoors for a while.

X is for...
Well, I can't think of anything you might need to know about Zimmer Zen beginning with X so just move on to Y - very gradually, of course.

Y is for Yoga
As a Zimmer Zen practitioner you may already have some experience of yoga, and if you do you will know that it's a spiritual practice focused on controlling the mind and body, with the aim of attaining liberation from our embodied existence. If you are a Yoga practitioner and are focused on your posture (or asana), be sure to keep taking your cod liver oil pills as they can help.

Zim-Zen Tip: There's no point in feeling physically uncomfortable when you practice in the Zimmer Zen tradition - so forget the full-lotus posture. And if you suffer from haemorrhoids it's probably not a good idea to sit on the floor anyway, so do be gentle with yourself!

Z is for Zimmer Zen
Well, this is what this blog is all about. Zimmer Zen came into existence not to make fun of old age, but to see the funny side of growing older. It also came into being to show that Buddhism itself could benefit from taking itself more lightly too. Hopefully, practitioners of Zimmer Zen will value sincerity more than seriousness where religion is concerned, and will do what they can to spread the word - and always remember that the best Zim-Zen word is "smile".

Zim-Zen Tip: If you like to focus on a mantra we recommend the word "smiles" - as the old joke goes there's a mile between the first and last 's'! Groan at the joke by all means - but smile too!

Well, that's the end of the very gradual A to Z guide to Zimmer Zen. Next, I'll be looking at how what's been explored here can be incorporated into our daily lives in a new post called "Zimmer Zen In Practice" (or ZZIP) so do stay tuned!

I'd also appreciate any comments/feedback, if there's anyone out there of course. Just talking to myself is a bit worrying to be honest... anyway, time to get back to my power napping practice.