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Two part post: Dangers of full lotus? and lost beginner.

shays860shays860
edited September 2011 in Buddhism Basics
Hello all. I just joined this site and this will be my first post. I looked for answers to my questions and guidelines for posting but I didn't really see anything so I apologize if this is redundant or if it's breaking any rules. The most straight foward of these two issues is that I have heard (from someplace I can't now remember) that trying to sit in the full lotus posture can be bad for you. Possibly over extending the ligaments in your feet and causing bad balance. I have a soreness in my feet that feels like muscle soreness the day after a workout. Is that normal? I want to sit in full lotus because I hear it is the most stable grounded posture for meditation but I don't want to cause myself long term damage. Does anyone have any info about this or any possible dangers of sitting in full lotus?

And part two: Any helpful tips for people just making their way into the world of Buddhism? I think I want to practice Soto Zen... I'm not sure if that typically incorporates the eight fold path but i think i want to try to use that as well... There is a tiny Zen center close by that I am going to attend in a few days. I just know i have a nearly overwhelming amount of negative and detrimental mental programming. I'm not sure if i should really expect any one to help with this second but which is why I threw it in with the first part but thanks either way.

Comments

  • TalismanTalisman Veteran
    I don;t know of any dangers of sitting full lotus except to your knees and lower back if you aren't flexible enough or don't have support for the bottom of your spine. Try sitting on a cushion or soft mat.

    All forms of Buddhism adhere to the 8-fold path. Soto zen doesn't focus very heavily on teachings that don't deal specifically with sitting zazen. It is primarily a "meditation school." As in they focus their practice and study on developing shikantaza/samadhi. Other forms of zen do things a little differently. I wouldn't focus that much on choosing a tradition this early in your practice.
  • personperson Don't believe everything you think The liminal space Veteran
    Full lotus isn't important for your meditation especially if you have a cusion or a chair. The important thing is to just keep a comfortable upright posture. I read about someone who had to have reconstructive surgery on both his knees as a result of forcing himself to sit full lotus. This is a good site for posture questions.


    As to the second question, if you're still new to Buddhism there's really no need to focus on a specific school yet. Just look around, read and recieve teachings from various traditions and see what fits best. Also its good to get different perspectives on the teachings.

    And welcome to the forum :)
  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    Listen to your body. The purpose of full lotus is to be stable for long sessions. But if it is hurting you then that is not accomplished. You can also sit: half, burmese, and indian style. Or a chair.
  • MountainsMountains Veteran
    Please don't try to sit full lotus (or even half-lotus) if you body says 'no'. There is nothing magical about a position for meditation. I've actually recently given up pretty much on half-lotus, and have taken up seiza position. It's *much* more comfortable for my legs, hips, and back. Listen to the wisdom of your body.
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