Some questions.

Jayjay

I cannot achieve the Lotus Posture being well, I'm not that flexible. Is it ok for me to meditate in a simple sitting, pretzel style (as we used to call it back in kindergarten)? And what are your opinions on meditation music? I usually do not use it but now every once in a while I will use it for a simple and longer meditation practice. Usually I am focused on my meditation and do not use music bc it distracts me. But when I'm just looking to calm down my mind or to do daily meditation I use it occasionally. And final question: Hand position? Its stereo typical to meditate with open hands resting on knees with one finger touching the thumb, but in many guides, pictures, and videos pertaining to meditation people talk about and are depicted with their hands right on top of left with the thumbs touching (that's how I currently meditate) Should I do it the other way? Does it matter? What are both styles called? What are each of there uses? Please help me out. Thank you all!

LittleMighty

I don't think it really matters to be honest. There was just a thread recently about meditating prone (lying down). I too can't get into Lotus. I'd have to probably dislocate my knee first. From everything that I've read meditation can be done in what ever position is comfortable. Lotus and the hand positioning and so on and so forth, its really all just suggestions. There is a group called "Enigma" I like to listen too. They have a nice meditation album (MCMXCa.D.) I haven't actually listened to it WHILE meditation, but it is super relaxing.

federica

'prone' is on the stomach.

'supine' is lying on one's back.....

driedleaf

You can be completely relaxed and do it while sitting on a sofa with the music on if you really wanted to. Even so, with all that comfort, once the mind tries to focus on a single preoccupation, and you start to notice and become aware of everything, your body and your mind will eventually start to feel the burden. You can even try this out right now. Relax your mind and body, and try to notice your every thought. It gets uncomfortable after a while. This happens naturally and its what we want to notice. This is where we can see stress, the first noble truth.

newtech

Hello:

1)Sitting Posture: Of any kind as long as its confortable for long periods, and enables u to be still and vigilant.

2)Hands: Same thing as sitting posture.

3)Music meditation: Not a buddhist meditation. Yes, its relaxing, that doesn´t mean its buddhist meditation.

With metta.

Mountains

Don't get caught up in "should" or "must" when it comes to meditation posture. Sit and be comfortable. The mudra (the hand position) is pretty much (IMHO) irrelevant. If you can't sit comfortably on the floor, sit on a chair. If you can't do that, lie down (just don't go to sleep). The point is, just meditate.

person

Here's a good site for the ins and outs of meditation posture

http://www.wildmind.org/posture

Dakini

Don't get caught up in "should" or "must" when it comes to meditation posture.

Yes. And of course you can sit "pretzel style". Most people do, when meditating. I've never seen anyone use the lotus posture. Some sit on a little bench, with their legs underneath them, like-kneeling. That's also an option.

Jayjay

Thank you all. Very helpful opinions and ideas. I will continue my habits of closed handed, pretzel legged meditation