I have been meditating for about 4 years and I am not sure I understand the importance of posture.

The first book I read on it said to sit cross legged with an upright spine and place your arms at a 90 degree angle with your palms facing you and fingers pointed to the sky.

As my meditation has progressed I sometimes end up meditating for up to an hour and probably 30-40 minutes on average daily.

To get a more secluded place to meditate I ended up using my bathtub/shower while running the shower. My point is to sit cross legged and erect for that long can be a challenge and when I am in the shower I just sit straight legged and lean back against the wall.

My question is does this posture effect anything and if so why?

Also as far as the fingers pointing in the air, is there a good reason to be doing this?

There seems to be many styles and ideas on this, so I believe posting my question here will lead me to a good answer, book, etc. for me.

Thank you in advance for sharing.

asked 03 Nov '10, 15:00

BE's gravatar image

BE
412

edited 03 Nov '10, 15:04

Barry%20Allen's gravatar image

Barry Allen ♦♦
11411

This link might help - http://www.meditationinfo.net/1/meditation_posture.htm

(03 Nov '10, 18:15) Michaela

To my understanding, the various physical postures for meditation and, indeed, prayer are related to harmonizing the energy flow throughout the body.

So, for example, the Christian method of praying by putting the palms of the hands together basically creates an energy loop through the joined hands which promotes a more relaxed mental state.

Regarding meditation with an upright spine etc., my own view is that it also prevents you falling asleep :)

I've tried meditating in bed at night a number of times and have always failed to stay awake. Sitting in a comfortable chair, however, keeps me awake without any problem.

From my various studies of the subject of meditation over the years, I have come to a very simple and straightforward approach...whatever is comfortable for you is right for you.

Sometimes that idea can lead to you finding something quite unusual and unexpected as your preferred posture...on occasion, I actually find it quite beneficial to meditate standing up in this stance...

alt text

link

answered 04 Nov '10, 01:25

Stingray's gravatar image

Stingray
93.6k22130369

Thanks Stingray.

(08 Nov '10, 15:25) BE

Agreeing with Stingray, I will just add in that attempting to meditate whilst lying do**wn, inevitably for me, **makes me fall asleep (regardless of the time of day).

Yes, do whatever is comfortable for you. Personally I sometimes sit in a chair with my legs crossed over and my arms folded. I found that switching to sitting straight up in the chair and the hands in a neutral position boost my energy and concentration. Follow up on some Alexander technique for this.

link

answered 03 Oct '11, 12:12

Nikulas's gravatar image

Nikulas
5.4k534156

well their is posture to make excersize like hatha yoga. but if you meditate for the soul or the spirit i would say that the best posture is one that you are confortable enuff in it so that it does not bother you or stop your focus. so experience and enjoy.

update:

also once you master soul and lose the sense. the body will not disturbe you no more then you can move to spirit level.

experience and enjoy.

link

answered 04 Oct '11, 01:54

white%20tiger's gravatar image

white tiger
21.9k115116

edited 04 Oct '11, 18:49

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