Edgar, William,
Good comments both. In our practice, though, a certain amount of discomfort
goes with the territory. And, we don't claim any moral superiority in
accepting it. In fact, I'd say that comfort or discomfort is not necessary in
our practice. But I'd say that relaxation *is*.
William, you mention an uncomfortable hand position. I did not. I told Merle
about Shashu, the light and easy hand position used quite standardly at Zen
practice places (with variations). It's just a tool. Every technology
involves tools.
The Zazen mudra is another mudra. If that one is uncomfortable or painful,
then something can be adjusted: mind or body or both. Usually it requires a
good overall posture to allow the mudra to be self-sustaining. So, the mudra
may in fact be signalling you to adjust the body. What a useful tool! ...if
the craftsperson knows how to use it, and has been instructed as to how.
This is another absolutely fundamental area where a teacher can get you off on
the good "foot", sitting. ;-) Accept no substitute!
--Joe
> Edgar Owen <edgarowen@...> wrote:
>
> William,
>
> Good comment. All these hand and other details are for beginners and may be
> helpful from that perspective. On the other hand if uncomfortable they can
> stop someone from practicing....
>
> Edgar
>
>
> On Apr 6, 2013, at 10:51 AM, William Rintala wrote:
>
> > Bill:
> >
> > I have to side with Edgar here. What real difference does it make how
> > you hold your hands? I have seen numerous positions and the only useful
> > explanation given was that a difficult hand position kept the individual
> > from
> > falling asleep.
------------------------------------
Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are
reading! Talk about it today!Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[email protected]
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
