cushion maintain its shape
and not squash flat when sat on (unlike ordinary sofa cushions). These
are available at spiritual bookstores or via mail order from the
Internet, or if you are handy with a needle, you can make your own.It
is much easier to sit if the pelvis is slightly elevated by a firm
cushion and the knees placed on a firm padded surface. The best type of
meditation cushion is the Japanese Zen-style ‘zafu’ which sits on a pad
called the ‘zabuton’. Zafus are usually filled with a firm material,
typically buckwheat husks, which helps the cushion maintain its shape
and not squash flat when sat on (unlike ordinary sofa cushions). These
are available at spiritual bookstores or via mail order from the
Internet, or if you are handy with a needle, you can make your own.
Alternatively,
many of whose who can’t sit cross-legged make use of a simple
meditation stool called a ‘seiza bench’ which takes pressure off the
knees. These are often provided at meditation centres, and are also
quite easy to make.
Half- and Quarter- Lotus positions
Alternatives are the half- and quarter-lotus positions. In the half-lotus, one foot is placed on the opposing thigh, the other foot stays underneath. In the quarter lotus, the foot is placed on the opposing calf. Many find the quarter-lotus the easiest position to maintain. (The ordinary school-child cross-legged pose is hard to maintain, as the ankles put pressure on each other at the point where they cross).
Sitting on a Chair
If
none of these options are suitable, one can sit on a chair. The key
point with sitting this way is to keep the back straight and the feet
flat on the floor. Sitting towards the front of the seat, or on the edge
of it, is the best way of ensuring a straight back. Finally, one can
meditate whilst lying on a yoga mat, however this position is also
highly conducive to sleeping.
The Hands
In any of these positions, the hands can be placed one on top of the other, with the tips of the thumbs touching.