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Question for October 27, 2019: Leg Position
Medivate — 7 years ago — in Question of the Week
Medivate — 7 years ago — in Question of the Week
When seated on a meditation cushion, how do you hold your legs? What are trade-offs of that posture?
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NEBULABUFF — 7 years ago — permalinkYou should fold your legs as is most comfortable for you. If you're young and flexible you might sit Full Lotus or Half Lotus. Master Dogen, if I remember correctly, placed a huge amount of importance on posture while meditating - so if you sat in the posture of the Buddha, you are the Buddha, whether you know it or not.
I think (and believe it has been shown) posture is not as important as practice. After all, meditation is not supposed to be a torture session but rather a quiet, comfortable state of awareness. At my age, if I tried to sit Full Lotus I'd probably pop both my knees out of joint! So, comfortably cross-legged works fine for me. I think nowadays TM Teachers even say sitting in a comfortable chair, or even laying down is o.k.
So, however you choose to sit; just sit. That's the most important thing. Blessings.