To: K-list
Recieved: 2003/07/29 13:38
Subject: Re: [K-list] Right over left OR left over right
From: Ron Henshall

Hi Rich,

yes, I was taught the differences in hand positions re male & female when I
did qigong and tai chi.
As far a zen meditation, it is recommended to alternate which leg is on the
top if you sit in half-lotus. This alleviates any long-term hip and knee
problems that meditators can suffer. Full-lotus seems not as prone to any
such imbalance problems.

I used to always sit full lotus but now I sit half-lotus with mainly my
right foot on top of the left thigh and with the right hand fingers placed
onto the left-hand fingers, with thumb tips gently touching. For a long
time I had the hands the other way, but this feels very balanced.

Interestingly for what it's worth, I've just looked at 3 of my Buddha rupas
and the 2 in half-lotus have different legs on top from each other. The
Buddha in full lotus has the left foot on top. All three have the same side
hand on top as their top foot.

I suggest that you experiment for yourself and feel the differences in the
energy. As far as strain injuries, it probably more matters on intensive
meditation retreats than my regular 2x 40 mins sits a day. For me on
extended retreats I tend to alternate postures from lotus through half-lotus
and seiza or kneeling with a cushion in between thighs. Sometimes I use a
meditation bench especially for chanting and long lecture/teaching periods.

I suppose it depends on the purpose you set for your meditation. I know a
transmitted zen teacher (with acknowledged kensho by a bona-fide Chinese
Buddhist monk and Chan master) who only ever uses a kneeling bench for
meditation. Then again, he seldom ever mentions energy other than the need
for it to be balanced enough to be wide awake. Perhaps in yoga, qigong etc,
if the meditation is one focussed around energy and energy systems, then the
posture will be more significant.


Ron H


----- Original Message -----
From: "Rich" <ulterium AT_NOSPAM barrysworld.com>
To: <k-list AT_NOSPAM kundalini-gateway.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2003 1:33 PM
Subject: [K-list] Right over left OR left over right


>
> Can anyone offer a detailed explanation of hand and leg position in
> meditation for when hands are residing in ones lap or where legs are
crossed
> regarding the relevance of right-over-left or left-over-right placement.
>


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