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Old 09-06-2011, 06:20 PM   #1
Hetgvwic

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Default does sitting style matter?
i've been meditating for about 3 years now. however, due to surgery on 1 of my knees i cannot 'do' the traditional lotus position.

i even feel embarrassed concerning this inability.

if any of you have attended a local shambhala/meditation center, are all in attendance assuming lotus pose?
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Old 09-06-2011, 06:36 PM   #2
kranskregyan

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Welcome, ripemango !

Please don't feel embarassed about having a physical difficulty due to surgery.All Buddhist centres usually have some straight backed-chairs available for people with physical problems.

If you haven't been there before, then phone them up and explain that you'll need to sit in a chair.(or against a wall with your legs stretched out)

I used to go to a Tibetan centre and could never manage more than a half lotus position anyway, lol ! Then, after a knee injury, I sat in a straight-backed chair (but not leaning my back on it).....and continued to do that when I changed tradition.

It isn't essential to sit in a lotus position in order to meditate.
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Old 09-06-2011, 06:36 PM   #3
Pjayjukr

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Hello ripemango and welcome to the forum

I've attended many different centres and they have all offered the option of using a chair for those who would prefer not to sit on the floor for whatever reason. I'm sure you will be made to feel comfortable wherever you choose to attend for your meditation.
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Old 09-06-2011, 08:16 PM   #4
SkapySisy

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Bhante Sujato uses a chair due to his knees after a torn disc (iirc), it seems
very practical. Walking meditation is also an oft-neglected practice that can help in these situations, but it may not always be as practicable.

Let us not be intimidated by the little buddharupas sitting there so elegantly! Practice is too important for one to be shamed out of doing it.

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Old 09-06-2011, 08:26 PM   #5
Siuchingach

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Old 09-06-2011, 09:23 PM   #6
GentlieGant

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Be welcome to the forum ripemango,

Not at all. The basic idea is to be aware of your body, that breath can be done smoothly, not to feel discomfort and to keep the spine in a straight natural position. I used to sit on a stool for some time. I now felt better on a chair.

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Old 09-06-2011, 11:59 PM   #7
Elelaytet

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It does matter if it could make you injured.
You should select the sitting style which match to your health problem.

The quality of meditation is based on 'your mindfulness', not style of sitting.
Otherwise, miss universe who sits beautifully will be a great meditation doer.
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Old 09-07-2011, 01:07 AM   #8
MwhwF6bp

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ripemango, there's nothing magical about the lotus position(s). Asian people sit on the floor more often than they sit in a chair. That's about it. I'd suggest that you sit in any way that keeps you comfortable, yet alert. If my back is leaning against something, I find it easier to doze off, and I imagine that's true for most people. That's why it's best to either use a stool that has no back, or to sit on a chair in such a way that you're not leaning on anything. The form of your practice is less important than the content, I think. :-)
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Old 09-07-2011, 03:39 PM   #9
fygESytT

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thank you everyone for your replies and such a warm welcome i've lurked on this site before, but finally got around to posting a question. i greatly appreciate the encouragement and friendliness.
i generally meditate in a chair or on a couch cushion on the floor sitting indian style (american way of describing sitting on the floor with legs crossed underneath vs on top as in lotus position).
I am excited to try half lotus position tomorrow.

Namaste.
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