Shikantaza is a form of meditation practiced in Zen Buddhism. The term translates to "just sitting," emphasizing a state of pure awareness without any specific focus or goal. Practitioners sit in a stable posture, allowing thoughts and sensations to arise and pass without attachment, fostering a deep sense of presence. This practice encourages individuals to experience reality as it is, cultivating mindfulness and insight. Unlike other forms of meditation that may involve visualization or concentration on an object, Shikantaza invites a direct engagement with the present moment, promoting a profound understanding of the self and the nature of existence.