Burmese Position

[Jundo]

Also, avoid skinny jeans. I've learned that I have to put my hipster credentials on hold while sitting zazen.

Oh, avoid any jeans! One should sit in loose, soft, non-conscripting pants or a skirt.



As to the photo of one's human face ...

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?12837-Often-Asked-How-to-Add-an-Avatar-Photo

Gassho, J

STLah

[Seibu]

I ususally wear samu pants when sitting because they are very comfortable. There is a link between hip flexibility and cushion height. If you're not very flexible and you cushion is too low then you'll experience tingling or your legs might go numb. My first zafu was too low so I got one that's a bit higher, and now I can sit comfortably. Practice does make perfect because I noticed that I feel no more tingling nowadays on the same zafu whereas in the beginning my legs used to go numb during zazenkai.

Gassho,
Jack
Sattoday/lah

[Seishin]

Kevin

I know what you are feeling. I find that sitting Burmese one heel is too close to my butt potentially causing nerve issues. Half Lotus exacerbates that feeling with more numbness. I preserver with Burmese a few times a week but normally sit a version of the recommended Seiza. I can't sit with a Zafu on its side as I get really bad sciatica pains. So I added extra filling to my zafu and place it in a normal Shikantaza postilion straddling the cushion. Works for me. When I do sit Burmese rising is a challenge as my old legs lodge dissatisfaction. grunting as I stand I tell them to suck it up. Have a seiza bench ready for when the zafu is too much. Take it day by day.

Sat

[Kevin Benbow]

Thanks. I find that if I wiggle my toes from time to time rust I can manage Burmese with just a little tingling when I get up.

Gassho

Klb

Sat today

[Risho]

Why is it better to sit on the floor than a chair? I think it’s like free weights vs weight machines with exercise. Free weights are superior; you have to fully control the motion of the weight. Weight machines were created for rehabilitation. So if you can’t sit on a cushion just sit on a chair, just do your best

gassho

Risho
-stlah

[Shokai]

The important factor is that your spine is elongated in it's natural curved position (cervical, thoracic and lumbar) so that your brain can communicate with the 37 billion cells in your body/mind. Get your ego out of the picture and let the unconscious take care of the rest.

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Jundo]

The important factor is that your spine is elongated in it's natural curved position (cervical, thoracic and lumbar) so that your brain can communicate with the 37 billion cells in your body/mind. Get your ego out of the picture and let the unconscious take care of the rest.

gassho, Shokai
stlah

I just add "but not stretched to tight" and also " for people who are physically able" (e.g., we have folks who must recline due to health reasons).

Gassho, J

STlah

[Shokai]

For those who need to recline I suggest ensuring that you use pillows to find as comfortable and relaxed position so the spline is as close as possible to the natural contours. (can't really over stress the relaxation of the spine tho) Thanks Jundo

gassho, Shokai
stlah