It is quite difficult to name one particular country which Zen could be attributed to because there are quite a few that have been responsible for its existence and its popularity. The word comes from the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word “Chan” which traces its beginnings from the Indian practice of meditation.
Becoming a part of Chinese Buddhism, the practice spread to Vietnam, Korea, and Japan, advocating conscientious self-control, constant meditation, and practicing the teachings of Buddha in daily life to benefit others.
The essence of Zen is the practice of meditation. When one does this, usually, a cushion is placed on a padded mat to sit on, and the person assumes the lotus position. The mind is then regulated by directing awareness towards counting the breath or by bringing it to the energy center below one’s navel.
Intensive group meditation, especially by the Buddhist monks, is commonplace. This is usually done for several hours every day, but rest breaks, meals, and even brief office tasks are taken in between the 30-minute-long contemplation periods which are always focused on mindfulness.
These sessions, which are also participated in by private and lay individuals, can last anywhere from one day to a week. One interesting aspect of Zen meditation is the “kyosaku.” This is a flat, wooden paddle which is used on those who meditate, with the intention of keeping them awake or focused on their search for complete mindfulness.
Here in our country, Zen has evolved and has leveled up. Not only does it help one achieve inner peace, it also does wonders to one’s physical appearance. Seventeen years ago, Dr. Mary Jane Torres thought of integrating medical science, art, and lifestyle to promote a holistic approach to wellness, thus adding a new dimension to the achievement of inner peace.
She later put up The Zen Institute Medical Spa which is now popularly known for mastering the fine art of non-invasive aesthetic enhancement from face contouring, body sculpting, and skin rejuvenation.
The core of these procedures is beauty perfected from within through positive lifestyle changes which include detoxification, weight management, bio-identical hormone therapy, and regenerative stem cell therapy. These have now been lumped into one package, launched and marketed as the “MJ Ultimate Wellness Program.”
The procedures applied to the patrons of The Zen Institute Medical Spa are hinged on four elements: Aesthetic Element, the non-invasive treatments like facial contouring, body sculpting, hair treatment, and many others including Lipocryo, where extreme cold temperature is used to melt body fat without pain.
Then there is the Integrative Element, which is the application of protocol-based approach for various medical treatments. There is also the Lifestyle Element of the mind-and-body workout which includes nutritional counseling and a fitness regimen. And, there is the Pampering Element, or spa treatment protocols for anti-aging and weight management.
Celebrating its 12th year of making Filipinos look good inside and out, The Zen Institute Medical Spa serves wellness advocates through its four locations: Quezon City, Bonifacio Global City, Batangas City, and Binondo in Manila.
Trust a Filipino to always come up with something better and bigger than the original. Now, Zen does not only give one inner peace, it also takes care of one’s inner and outer beauty through The Zen Institute Medical Spa. I’m sure this will please Buddha no end.
For feedback, I’m at
bobzozobrado@gmail.com.
