In this talk, we look at the basic postures and mechanics of cross legged sitting.
In an upcoming talk, we will look at good alternative ways to sit for those who cannot manage cross legged sitting.
The basic point is to find the posture or posture that feel right and balanced for you. This may even change as the body changes. The basic rule of thumb is that if a particular way of sitting feels balanced and comfortable, allowing the body to sit stably, not to slumpingly loose and not too rigidly stiff, letting you sit for long periods of time without being distracted by discomfort in the body ... then that is probably a good way to sit for you!
The book I mention is this ... THE POSTURE OF MEDITATION" (by Will Johnson). Review here: (LINK)c
We let the breath settle at its own natural pace, and it is good for beginners to focus on the breath coming in and out (we will talk more about the breadth in an upcoming video). We keep the eyes 1/3 open ... thus neither completely shutting out the world, not running toward it.
Finally, accept all Zazen as just what it is. Do not be overly judgmental even as we try to sit in nice posture. Know that there are good and bad days of Zazen, and that the good days are just good, the bad days are just bad, all just what they are. Both are important in our Zazen Practice, as we learn to sit beyond being prisoners of our judgments of "good vs. bad." Nevertheless, we try to sit in as balanced and comfortable a posture as we can.
Remember: recording ends soon after the beginning bells; a sitting time of 15 to 35 minutes is recommended.
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