In books that instruct you on how to meditate or concentrate on deep breathing, the authors always write, "Kneel, or sit cross-legged, then breathe....or meditate."
Why not meditate instead in a super comfortable position, like under the covers, in bed?
Also, there is a Buddhist temple down the street that has mats, not comfortable chairs. Why?
ceilingfan
Favorite Answer
If that doesn't work for you don't do it. You're supposed to be comfortable when meditating. Many people are comfortable kneeling and sitting cross legged, but if you aren't find something else.
I find it's most comfortable to sit in a chair or on a stool. That's what works for me.
Also I really don't think you should lay down unless you're sure you won't fall asleep, as that would defeat the point of meditation.
thisonetaste
Traditional and authentic meditation is basically two-fold. First is calming/concentration and second is insight. You can do either from any position so long as you are very alert, comfortable and present. Cushions on the floor is a cultural remnant however some say that the Lotus posture on the floor contributes to stability and comfort and some other benefits. That is only true if you can actually do this posture without distracting discomfort. Sitting in a chair is no problem. Every 6 or 7 day meditation retreat I have gone to has provided chairs as well as benches and cushions on the floor. Traditionally, there is also walking meditation. You can ideally be in a meditative state while doing the dishes because you just first arrive at calmness and very alert mindfulness. With calm alert mindfulness, you remain present to the method. Gently and kindly bring attention back to the method when it wanders. Methods of meditation are many including even Hatha Yoga or Kundalini Yoga. Most common methods use the breath and watching thoughts as calming and concentration. Yoga and the breath are very useful because they are the least involved in thinking and are the most natural functions available to notice. Breath is not conceptual. To follow any conceptual thinking is not meditation. To notice and let go of thinking is one kind of meditation. Insight meditation will most often depend on the particular instructor or tradition. Meditation is the exact opposite of trance or hypnosis. Relaxation methods to promote sleep or an easy dreaminess is not meditation in this sense. Relaxation to dispel fear and to promote alertness and presence to what truly is, in awareness, is meditation.
Abomination of Desolation
lol. It depends on the area of the world.
In the east those asanas are used because for the most part people sat on floors, and as children ere instructed to always have straight posture. Modern authors say to do it for the sake of tradition.
A lot of the Western texts from Pre-and post- Christian sources suggest sitting straight up in a chair.
Meditating in bed is not a good idea, as meditation hovers very close to sleep. Laying in bed will encourage you to fall asleep at the deepest points.
Also, the temple has mats for tradition, not practicality.
Anonymous
Traditional Ritual.
no thought required
Other forms of meditation suggest lying down influences sleep, while sitting up with an alert mind you can fall deeper into a relaxed state because you're in control.
93
Read "Book Four" part 1 by Aleister Crowley. It is to train the mind. You sit there and do not allow yourself to move at all. Then, once you master that position, it will be the most comfortable position in the world