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Zen mudra
pauliwago
Explorer
in Meditation
From what I've studied, the Buddha had his right hand over his left when in meditation (http://meditationtampa.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/meditation-mudra.jpg). Why then do Zen practitioners teach us the reverse (left hand over right)? Is there any basis for this instruction?
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I am currently doing Llahtong meditation as part of the online aro meditation course. Hands face down on thighs for this.
I mean, just how bored does someone have to be, before we start worrying about if the right hand should go above or below the left? I've been on meditation retreats where I have been exactly that bored out of my mind. Does holding the hands one way or another result in a different meditation experience? Not that I can tell, but then other meditators might have a different experience from me.
Hand positions can be very opening, or self containing. Sounds strange and for some it may just be ritualistic association . . .
:wave:
I find it very useful and don't stress about the deeper meanings of which hand is on top. Right hand on the bottom for me out of habit.
In the corpse pose (yoga), we are very open. I was taught a variation of crossing the feet at the ankle and grasping a wrist on the stomach that closes the energy and is more relaxing for some people.
The meditation lasted 30 minutes. Over the course of that time, my hands thumbs had gradually gone up and connected and my hands were in the cosmic mudra! Muscle memory I suppose.
I have often wondered about why one way here, and the other there, especially coming from a tibetan mahayana to a soto zen Sangha. I get it 'wrong' all the time. Sensei described the other day that tibetan mahayana emphasises compassion, so the left hands sits on the right, while zen tends to emphasise the wisdom aspect, so the right sits on the left (wisdom over compassion). I had not heard that reasoning before. I don't know about the 'compared to Buddha' line of reasoning though. Touching the thumbs emphasises the connection between the two- in the mudra this is above both (that might mean something if being on top is somehow better, as the above reasoning implies, of course, what would that be? Maybe what's underneath is the really important thing!)
Either way, Bringing the hands together at the centre of the body embodies the centring and drawing in of the senses and the mind. Placing the hands together also represents the combination of wisdom and compassion which are the method and the fruit of awakening. Each supports the other. Both are essential. And it feels quite nice too.
I've never educated myself on the various hand mudras and their meanings and effects. I've always held my hands in what has come to be a comforting position; in my lap in the Dhyana mudra.
Here is an unusual variation that arose this morning
It is sometimes known as the bull or cow seat
Apologies for the confusion (and for the somewhat pointless thread bump).
I did say I get it wrong all the time.
bull seat is something I do to stretch the hamstrings, like knee over knee. Although to stretch I usually press gently on the knees. I'll try sitting with my hands on the feet like that. Thanks for the illustrative picture.