Meditation in Different Cultures (Top) Like this group in Hanoi, Vietnam, many people throughout Asia begin their day with tai chi, often meeting in parks and other public places. Tai chi is a form of meditation that involves a structured series of slow, smooth movements. Sometimes described as “meditation in motion,” tai chi has been practiced for over 2,000 years.

(Bottom) These young Americans are practicing zazen, or “just sitting,” a form of open monitoring meditation (Austin, 2009). Originating in China, Zen is found in many Asian countries, especially Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Over the past few decades, Zen Buddhism has become increasingly popular in the United States and other Western countries.

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