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How Important Is Posture?

BlackFlagBlackFlag
edited February 2010 in Buddhism Basics
This is the one thing I'm having difficulty accepting about buddhist mediation. In all the books I've been reading, they put an emphasis on things like the half lotus and full lotus posistions. However, I find these posistions either extremely difficult or impossible (I'm slightly overweight and not very flexible).

So my question is this: Is it really that important to have that kind of posistion while meditating?

Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • NcryptoNcrypto
    edited February 2010
    My view is that everything in Buddhism is related to what you are trying to achieve. In this case, why is it the 'lotus' posture not the 'jasmine' or 'rose'. Clearly it's supposed to connote some symbolic purport. In my view, there's no magic in the posture, but the reason this posture is chosen is for the transmission of dharma (i.e. so people understand and fully internalise the purpose of the meditation). Same sort of reasoning as behind the expression on the faces of temple deities, the objects they carry (vajra, skull or whatever) etc.
  • AnupassīAnupassī
    edited February 2010
    Oh, I wouldn't worry about meditation posture. I've meditated half-reclining on a futon, lying down, walking, and in half-lotus. It's the letting go and pure awareness that matters, not your posture, as far as I'm concerned.
  • RenGalskapRenGalskap Veteran
    edited February 2010
    BlackFlag wrote: »
    So my question is this: Is it really that important to have that kind of posistion while meditating?
    No. If you can do it, it's helpful. If you can't, do whatever you can do.
  • zenonezenone
    edited February 2010
    I think everyone's body has a sort of natural healthy posture. I find that mind and posture have a reciprocal relationship. If you are aware, your body tends to find its own balance. Also, if your body is balanced, it can reinforce your mind's awareness. But there is no one perfect posture or position that is going to work for everyone.
  • ansannaansanna Veteran
    edited February 2010
    as said, the postune the Buddha used, because it will not be too comfortable that lead you to sleep, and sitting is best balanced posture to keep you mediated for long hours
  • BaileyDBaileyD Explorer
    edited February 2010
    You know what, eff posture and eff tradition. I "meditate" when I am walking my dog. Find your own path.
  • sukhitasukhita
    edited February 2010
    BlackFlag wrote: »
    This is the one thing I'm having difficulty accepting about buddhist mediation. In all the books I've been reading, they put an emphasis on things like the half lotus and full lotus posistions. However, I find these posistions either extremely difficult or impossible (I'm slightly overweight and not very flexible).

    So my question is this: Is it really that important to have that kind of posistion while meditating?

    Thanks in advance.

    Also remember, sitting cross-legged has been a common posture in India for thousands of years. They sat cross-legged on the floor for study, playing music, having dinner or lunch, debating, watching plays, etc... The Buddha adopted an existing posture... it is not a 'Buddhist' posture. Even today, many Indians (both rich and poor) continue with this tradition for taking meals, etc... so the lotus of half lotus is just the next step for them. Here in the west, for example, we have become conditioned to sitting on regular chairs and, therefore, the lotus or half-lotus postures become a special techniques to be mastered for meditation purposes. If one has difficulties with the lotus or half-lotus postures, then one should adopt the best posture that suits them... just google for 'meditation postures'... there are lots of them. :)
  • Micsunderland3Micsunderland3
    edited February 2010
    BaileyD wrote: »
    You know what, eff posture and eff tradition. I "meditate" when I am walking my dog. Find your own path.

    Bailey's a Maverick, it would seem.
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