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Hi Balgore and welcome,

I'm 'under the weather' with a flu/bronchitis bug at the moment - and I'm not a meditation teacher, but I will share a few thoughts relating to your questions.

Breath meditation is a method which can help eventually to reduce one's discursive thoughts, calm the mind and increase awareness.

I have no idea how enlightenment occurs because I'm not enlightened myself, however since its the eventual cessation of delusional mind states, then I don't think it just happens after "random" practising !

Regarding posture, it's ok to meditate in a straight-backed chair if you have physical difficulties on a cushion - or on ones back if one is physically disabled. It's usual to keep the back straight because slumping will interfere with the channels and affect breathing.

I think you might find this instruction useful from the highly respected teacher Ajahn Sumedho.

http://www.dharmaweb.org/index.php/V...o:_Instruction

As well as that I suggest you set a little time aside to watch the Buddhist meditation videos from Ajahn Jayasaro which are mentioned in the 'Beginners Questions' thread and in Study Links.


Kind wishes,

Aloka-D