Thanks again, everyone, for a lovely day of Zazen. We all support each other in our sitting, wherever we are. I heard from several people, not members of this forum but who sit with the daily "sit-a-longs", who wrote for the first time because of the Retreat. Very nice.
Just to mention, especially for a long sitting, nothing wrong from changing positions, even (heresy of heresy) breaking out a chair or the like if the body starts to protest. Learning to sit with some discomfort is very good (even necessary) practice, but so is moving to not strain the body or do damage.
In fact, modifying and adapting any of the practices (Oryoki, Bowing) etc. in order to fit our physical condition is, of course, fine. In fact, I just wrote this to somebody who wants to sit with us but who has a back problem that keeps the person reclining in bed most of the day....
"Please do your Zazen sitting, on your belly, standing on one leg or upside down. It does not matter if that is what you must do."
Oh, and you can go to the tosu (bathroom) during Kinhin! ;-)
Gassho, Jundo
PS - Because this may raise the subject again, my stance (pun intended) is that Lotus Positions are best because of the balance they allow, Burmese next ... and one should not give up on those just because you think you "just can't". It takes some time and stretching. That being said, if you really have a physical need, you can use a bench, Seiza, chair, etc.
Just to mention, especially for a long sitting, nothing wrong from changing positions, even (heresy of heresy) breaking out a chair or the like if the body starts to protest. Learning to sit with some discomfort is very good (even necessary) practice, but so is moving to not strain the body or do damage.
In fact, modifying and adapting any of the practices (Oryoki, Bowing) etc. in order to fit our physical condition is, of course, fine. In fact, I just wrote this to somebody who wants to sit with us but who has a back problem that keeps the person reclining in bed most of the day....
"Please do your Zazen sitting, on your belly, standing on one leg or upside down. It does not matter if that is what you must do."
Oh, and you can go to the tosu (bathroom) during Kinhin! ;-)
Gassho, Jundo
PS - Because this may raise the subject again, my stance (pun intended) is that Lotus Positions are best because of the balance they allow, Burmese next ... and one should not give up on those just because you think you "just can't". It takes some time and stretching. That being said, if you really have a physical need, you can use a bench, Seiza, chair, etc.
Comment