Sit-a-Long with Taigu: Zazen for Beginners (Part VI)

[Jundo]

Rev. Taigu offers a few more perspectives on the “sitting” of “just sitting.” He says:

Sitting on a cushion is what we normally do. The actual flexibility of this cushion called a zafu makes it possible to position it at an angle which makes sitting much more comfortable. A zafu is a very personal item and one should search around to find the right thickness for the cushion. When putting hands together to form the zazen mudra, we usually put the left hand on top of the right, palms up and thumbs very lightly touching. If you are not using a koromo, which is a black robe with huge sleeves, then you may use a towel and put it on your lap to support the mudra.

CLICK HERE for today’s Sit-A-Long video.

[youtube] [/youtube]

Remember: recording ends soon after the beginning bells; a sitting time of 15 to 35 minutes is recommended.

[Shingen]

Hi Adrian,

Everybody is different.
Acceptable or not is not the point.
The point is...You know what I mean.
You sit as you do. Let your knees make their way to the floor...Or sit on a chair. Whatever.
Up. Up is the direction. Allowing weight to go down. Be light. LIGHT.

As it is, as you are, already perfect.

Gassho

Taigu

Thank you Taigu ... Simply put.

Gassho
Shingen

[Dave Schauweker]

It's great to be here at Treeleaf. What a great resource.

Gassho,

Dave

[dharma7154]

Thank you Taigu. I have never tried to change legs. I will start to alternate after each sitting.
Lee

[Jakudo]

Started sitting with a thin pillow that I have borrowed from our dogs to rest the mudra as you show on your video Taigu. What a difference! Thanks for teaching me this .
Gassho, Jakudo Hinton