Sleeping Limbs

[Daijo]

Hi Daijo,

Please share it.

Another thing I saw when I sat at monasteries in China and Vietnam is that the sitters massage the face, arms and legs quiet well for a minute or two before and after sitting. They also sometimes cover their legs with nice blankets when sitting in cool weather. Both are nice ideas I have not seen in Japan.

Gassho, J

Yes, there is actually a very specific (Surprise!) ritual involved with the massaging as well. I have been tought the technique but I don't exactly remember those steps. One thing you'll find at every cushion in the local monastery here is a folded towel (folded very specifically of course), to be used to cover the legs. I'll try to do a recording of the 8 forms this week.

[MyoHo]

Hi Daijo,

Please do . it sounds very interesting and i would love to learn it!

Gassho

MyoHo

[Daijo]

I will record on Thursday and post it here.

Gassho,

Daijo

[Risho]

When I sit half lotus left leg up, I'm usually good for about 40 minutes. My right hip is much less flexible, so I completely feel ya man! I can't offer any better advice than what has been offered, but I'll just say keep truckin'

Gassho,

Risho

[Daijo]

Due to some technical difficulties I wasn't able to capture the 8 forms last night. I'll get them recorded this weekend though. It was a nice trial run last night though as I was able to teach the movements to 9 other people.

Gassho,

Daijo

[Koshin]

Thank you Daijo, definitely will have a look at the vid

Gassho

[Jundo]

Let me mention that our Yoga Instructor, William, provided some good exercises for our Rohatsu Retreat, and you might take a look and contact him for some pointers too.

http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?11499-Yoga-Video-for-Rohatsu-Retreat

Gassho, J

[Ishin]

As I understand it, ONE of the reasons that Bodhidharma encouraged things like marital arts practice among monks at Shaolin is because of some of these very issues. I personally find regular Kung Fu and Tai Chi practice, as well asYoga, keeps me pretty limber even at 46. I am not suggesting everyone needs to do martial arts however. I am suggesting that any kind of regular exercise might help. It has made a big difference for me.

Gassho C