Chapter 11 The form of the seven-legged posture

The so-called seven-branch sitting method refers to the seven main points of the limbs (as shown in the attached picture): (1) Two-legged Gaga (double cross-legged).If double discs are not possible, use single discs.Or put the left foot on top of the right foot, which is called wishful sitting.Or put your right foot on top of your left foot, which is called Vajra Sitting.When you start to practice sitting, it is not possible to do it alone; you can also cross your legs. (2) The spine is straight.Make each joint of the back stand upright like an abacus.But those who are weak or sick should not be too rigid in the beginning, let alone use excessive force.

(3) The left and right hands are knotted under the dantian (under the lower abdomen), and placed flat on the hip bone.With the palms up, place the back of the right hand flat on top of the left palm, with the two thumbs lightly touching each other.In Buddhism, this is called "knotting mudra", and this gesture is also called Samadhi seal (meaning fixed seal). (4) Spread the left and right shoulders slightly until they are flat and moderate, and the shoulders and back should not be heavy. (5) The head is upright, and the back of the head is retracted slightly.The front jaw is adducted (not lowered), and the movement of the two large arteries on the left and right sides of the neck can be slightly pressed.

(6) The eyes are slightly opened, seeming to be closed or open, as if half-opened and half-closed, turning a blind eye.The gaze is randomly determined to be seven or eight feet in front of the seat, or about one or two feet away. (For those who usually work with their eyes, it is better to close their eyes at the beginning of meditation.) (7) The tongue slightly licks against the palate (refer to the attached picture), just like a baby who has not yet grown teeth and is sleeping soundly. Additional things to note: (1) When sitting in meditation, the brain nerves and the nerves and muscles of the whole body must be relaxed, and there must be no tension.It is best to smile slightly, because when people laugh, their nerves will naturally relax.

(2) Beginners to meditate should not meditate immediately after eating, so as not to hinder digestion.At the same time, you should not meditate when you are hungry, so as not to distract your mind. (3) When sitting in meditation, the air must circulate, but the wind should not be blown directly on the body. (4) When sitting in meditation, the light should not be too dark, otherwise you will easily feel drowsy; the light should not be too strong, otherwise you will easily get nervous. (5) When the weather is cold, wrap your knees and the back of your head warmly. Even if you meditate in hot weather, you should not expose your knees.

(6) Beginners should not force themselves to sit for too long. The principle is to keep the time short and the number of times high. (7) When practicing meditation for the first time, it is mostly impossible to sit in the double position, so it is better to use the single position.Seat cushions must be added to the buttocks in the single cross. The height of the cushion depends on the physical condition of each person. The principle of comfort is always taken as the principle. If the cushion is too high or too short, it will cause nervous tension.The softness and hardness of the cushion must also be moderate, otherwise it will cause physical discomfort and affect the mood and effect of meditation.

Explanation: (1) Sitting cross-legged with two legs crossed is the most formal seven-branch sitting method. (2) Seat cushions should also be added when sitting in the lotus position. Unless the qi channels are fully accessible, there is no need for cushions. (3) Beginners may not be able to sit cross-legged in meditation, so use other sitting postures as shown in the following pictures as appropriate. Instructions: (1) The cushion is about two or three inches.Adjust according to the comfort of each person. (2) If you are unable to sit with your legs crossed at the beginning of meditation, use a single cross.According to each person's physical condition, he can freely choose Vajra Sit or Ruyi Sit.

(3) If you cannot sit cross-legged, or sit cross-legged until your legs become numb.If you want to continue working hard, you can use any of the following postures instead. Explanation: (1) Sitting upright is a meditation posture commonly used by Confucianism throughout the ages. (2) Auspicious reclining is the sleeping position advocated by Buddhists.Pregnant women can switch to the auspicious lying posture if the single posture puts pressure on the abdomen, or choose any sitting posture that is more comfortable for them.