Book Recommendation: - THE POSTURE OF MEDITATION
Hi,
I would like to recommend a book about, and entitled, "THE POSTURE OF MEDITATION" (by Will Johnson).
http://www.amazon.com/Posture-Medita...ref=pd_sim_b_1
I believe that its philosophy of finding a sitting posture is very much as we encourage here at Treeleaf, namely, we each have to experiment with our own self and make small adjustments to find (within certain rules) the posture "right for my particular body" (one size does not fit all). Further, sitting is not rigid and fixed, but always subtly fluid and changing, such that the posture at the start of a sitting period will not be precisely the same as at the end (or on different days!).
For this reason, the author presents a philosophy of sitting, and a series of exercises, to help each of us find our "sweet spot" (again, a "sweet spot" that is not stagnant, but needs to flow and change even during one sitting period). It is based on finding (1) an alignment of the body (head, neck, spine, buttocks, legs) that is balanced and in line with gravity (2) relaxed, yet (3) resilient. YOU KNOW IT WHEN YOU FEEL IT. Better said ... when the body feels right, and when the body feels balanced and "drops from mind" (becomes no longer a distraction), it probably is right and balanced.
This is also very helpful to our situation here, sitting at a physical distance from each other, for I cannot reach out and adjust peoples' postures. For that reason, I recommend that people first seek some basic instruction at a local Zen center (or other Buddhist group) or, if not available, with a local Yoga teacher (very good option, actually), then experiment and adjust on one's own (when the body is forgotten, and no longer an issue, it is a good posture). HOWEVER, the reality is that, even at an "in the flesh, under a roof" Zen group ... it is not that different from Treeleaf because the teacher will usually show beginners the basic posture once or twice at the start, viewed from the teacher's position outside (not from within the student's body and actual sensations) ... then leave the student on her own most of the time. The student still has to "figure out sitting posture for herself".
Now, a few cautions on the book ...
I - The author does not emphasize any particular posture. While he does praise and encourage the Lotus Postures or Burmese (as do I), he also says his philosophy works well with a sitting bench, chair or the like. (Like me, he does say not to give up on trying the Lotus Postures too easily ... and to really give them the 'old college try' ... that westerners tend to not give it a sufficient attempt). What is more, there is very little specific advise in the book on how to sit ... apart from some basic rules (such as keeping the knees down on the floor if in Lotus or the like, and the pelvis higher than the knees) combined with his "self tests" for finding a balanced/relaxed/resilient place. So, for example, there is very little specific advise on how to get the knees down on the floor, what to do if the legs fall asleep, etc., except for his advise to keep adjusting until the problem resolves itself. (We have some other threads here at Treeleaf, by the way, on stretches and other strategies for those issues).
However, his general philosophy should help you find some answers that work on your own body.
II - He is a little too focused on keeping the body constantly in mind, and making constant adjustments. I would prefer (in keeping with our form of Shikantaza) that folks adjust the body to their "sweet spot" ... then forget about it, and drop the body from mind, returning to "just sitting" ... until a little later in the sitting, for example, when they might give themselves a little "readjustment" if they feel they need, returning to "just sitting" again. I would recommend to "adjust and drop the body from mind", instead of making it a constant object of focus and adjustment, as he sometimes recommends.
III - Some of his claims in the book are a little new agey and extreme ... such as that staying in line with gravity will have some effect on lengthening life expectancy. (Anyway, true or not ... a minor part of the book. And would it not be nice! :D ).
IV - Some of his recommendations in the last chapter for keeping a balanced/relaxed/resilient posture in all of daily life sound not very practical, and some may be downright dangerous (like his recommendation for doing so while driving a car).
However, with those few cautions ... I recommend the book to everyone at Treeleaf who would like some assistance in finding "the posture right for one's own body".
Gassho, Oprah
Re: Book Recommendation: - THE POSTURE OF MEDITATION
Deeply appreciate this. After many months of trying, and combined with other stresses in life, I sank into anger and frustration because I can't even get close to a 'proper' sitting posture, and my hips still hurt, and my knees still fly many inches above the floor. Predictably, I just gave up for a while. Now, I'm in a apathetic view towards posture, just trying to sit but not caring where my legs, etc want to go, so at least my butt is down for a minute or few. I HATE physical challenges, and have always been horrible at them, and this just became another thing I couldn't do. Hopefully the book can help. :| ann
Re: Book Recommendation: - THE POSTURE OF MEDITATION
I've often noticed that when my posture is good - and you can always tell, because when it's not you get tightness and aches - my sittings are good. (Not that we aim for good and all that, but you know what I mean...) It's _extremely_ difficult to sit correctly, though, because we are all unbalanced. A book like this could be great to feel more balanced when sitting, and eventually apply that to the rest of your life. I'm reminded of the Alexander Technique and how it helped me get in touch with a freer, more balance posture some years ago. Unfortunately, that's something you need to keep practicing regularly with a teacher, and there's none anywhere near where I live.
Re: Book Recommendation: - THE POSTURE OF MEDITATION
They even have it in stock at Amazon FR; I ordered a copy.
Re: Book Recommendation: - THE POSTURE OF MEDITATION
Just ordered this book.
I hope, with the aid of this book, to be meditating so deeply by the new year that I'm levitating.
Re: Book Recommendation: - THE POSTURE OF MEDITATION
Me too. Just ordered from Aphrohead Books via Amazon UK at half Amazon price inc post!
My pensioners fuel allowance is dwindling.
Daiku
Re: Book Recommendation: - THE POSTURE OF MEDITATION
Got it. Read it. Liked it.
This book provides a great reminder that there's no fixed posture to attain, that no one ever gets to a point of perfection and that there is no spot that I'm going to some day hit and never move from. I find this reassuring and encouraging. The entire book is this way for me.
Re: Book Recommendation: - THE POSTURE OF MEDITATION
I've read most of it, and while it's basic premise is useful - basically what Brock said above - there's a bit too much woo in it for me. I think the whole thing could have been summed up in an article; the book's quite tiny anyway.
It does remind me of a time when I was working with the Alexander Technique, which basically strives for similar things as Rolfing, which is what this book is based on.
Book Recommendation: - THE POSTURE OF MEDITATION
Quote:
Originally Posted by
KellyLM
Yes I do. I can't manage lotus. I can manage half lotus on a good day.
Gassho,
SatLah
Kelly
Ok. I struggle with burmese when I try it cause it’s uncomfortable, but you can try tiny variations of that posture that might help with your back issue. Instead of placing both legs / feet on the floor try resting one slightly on top of the other (see attached picture). That might help give support to your back.
Also, before even sitting on the zafu, angle it (see attached picture) so that when you sit, your knees will naturally rest on the floor.
I don’t know whether it will help at all, but, It’s all the “advice” I can give at this point.
Sorry for going over the 3 sentences!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...06d0a09e17.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...4e6ef9ff13.jpg
[emoji1374] Sat Today
Book Recommendation: - THE POSTURE OF MEDITATION
Quote:
Originally Posted by
KellyLM
Bion that foot position looks really comfy!
Kaye I have a seiza bench and my feet will immediately fall asleep. I gave up on it quickly.
Gassho,
SatLah
Kelly
It is comfy! It might help give support to the back and get rid of some of that tension that causes you pain. Also, before actually sitting, allow your body to find its place and gravity center naturally, by swaying left and right and in a circle, beginning with ample circles and going smaller and smaller until you’re naturally settled and still. Like the example in this video, starting at minute 8 : 11 . OF COURSE: That’s if you don’t already do it! [emoji1]
https://youtu.be/BAFX5htccDQ
[emoji1374] Sat Today