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Importance of posture during meditation?

BodhivakaBodhivaka Veteran
edited June 2012 in Meditation
Recently I performed my first attempt at Buddhist meditation (metta bhavada, to be specific.)

The experience was wonderful -- much more calming and pleasureable than I had originally anticipated. During the meditation I felt a significant sense of happiness and peace, and by the time I had finished I felt very much like I wish I could feel everyday. The meditation certainly worked for me, but later I did a bit more studying on meditative posture and discovered that mine wasn't completely proper, seeing as how I was slightly leaned back in my chair as opposed to being upright with my chest out and shoulders back.

However, sitting in proper medatative posture is strenuous for my lower back, and I believe the discomfort would distract me from concentrating. Is sitting with proper posture really that important, or is it more important that I be comfortable so as to concentrate better? Am I losing out on something when I fail to use proper posture?

Comments

  • SabreSabre Veteran
    edited June 2012
    I know certain traditions argue that the "correct" posture is very important, but my experience tells me this is not true nescessarily; there is not one perfect posture that fits everybody all of the time. And many teachers also hold this view.

    There are three things I consider important in a posture. It should make you (1) alert while still (2) relaxed. And (3) it shouldn't be bad for the body.

    If this posture for you happens to be a bit leaned back, that's fine. Chairs are made with a leaned back for a reason; this is comfortable for a lot of people. For a lot of people it helps to keep a straight back to keep alert, but if you think this is not true for you, don't.

    However, since this was still your first session, don't fix yourself to one way immediately. Feel free to experiment with postures.

    Metta!
    Sabre
  • DairyLamaDairyLama Veteran Veteran
    Am I losing out on something when I fail to use proper posture?
    Posture is worth considering but don't get too hung up on it, particularly in the early stages. It's good to keep a straight back if you can.
  • genkakugenkaku Northampton, Mass. U.S.A. Veteran
    Don't slouch.

    Spiritual effort is like any other ... it requires us to do things we don't necessarily want to do. This goes for body, mind and thought -- which, when integrated, spell peace.

    Do your best and try not to slouch. Lazy now spells lazy later. Better to try to cultivate good habits that will stand you in good stead. Perfection is not the goal ... but laziness isn't either. Bit by bit ... don't slouch.
  • BonsaiDougBonsaiDoug Simply, on the path. Veteran
    For me, the most salient point made above is that your posture is such that you remain alert and in the moment. All else will follow.
  • Invincible_summerInvincible_summer Heavy Metal Dhamma We(s)t coast, Canada Veteran
    I find that the mudra used in Zen is pretty helpful for keeping "alert" - if the little "triangle" formed by your fingers + thumbs loses shape, it means you're slacking!
  • justsheajustshea Explorer
    There are just two keys...first sit in a way you can be comfortable for as long as you meditate, second, sit so that you don't fall asleep. Everything else is window-dressing to me.
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    ^^ like^^
  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    You can build shamata calm into a chair also. I didn't realize that until recently I sort of went into calm in a chair outside. Then I just went with it. It's the mind not the body, though back strait aligns energies. As an example the gaze is downward because this stimulates emotions to come up and meditation works with these. Occasionally I spontaneously look up at the horizon and get peace. If you meditate with closed eyes opening them can also give a very short calm feeling.

    Just my observations and hearing of things. Your experience might be totally different.
  • personperson Don't believe everything you think The liminal space Veteran
    I find this site's section on posture to be very comprehensive, it should answer any questions you may have.

    http://www.wildmind.org/posture
  • PrairieGhostPrairieGhost Veteran
    Lowell
    Is sitting with proper posture really that important
    Straight spine helps. Cross legged seating is best in terms of energy flow, but it's not vital.
  • SeaOfTranquilitySeaOfTranquility Veteran
    Sit like the mountain. Strong, steady, anchored, and unmoved by whatever comes up.

    A foundation for mindfulness is the body. Posture, breath, movement, physical existence as it is happening.

    Personally I have found that when I recline or knowing slouch in my sitting meditation, my mind also becomes lazy and wanders.

    Best Wishes

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