Why sitting?

The first two stages: observing and disciplining, are best done while sitting. Lying down one falls asleep too easily and standing up one gets tired and therefor distracted. Walking meditation can be good too, but is too distracting in the beginning.

So we start with sitting with a straight back.

This can be done on the floor, in the sand, on a pillow, on a chair, on a bed or on the toilet… it does not matter how or where the sitting is done. Some people make a big deal out of the posture for sitting. This is counterproductive to what we are trying to achieve: a clear mind. So sit as comfortable as you can while keeping a straight spine. Do not fall for the perfect-posture trap. If you need to lean against something, lean, but keep that spine straight. If you cannot keep your spine straight then find a posture as near to it as possible. You know your body best, you decide how to sit.  Do not listen to anybody who tries to tell you how to sit, also not to teachers. If teachers are strong on posture they are probably not good teachers. All elaborate posture-talk is nonsense and distracts from what it is all about: a clear mind. It is important in the beginning that you sit still. Later you can meditate even while moving.

A clear mind is a happy mind. A clear mind is a relaxed mind that is ready to perform miracles when required. A clear mind is still. The advanced meditator has created gaps between his thoughts. The more advanced the meditator, the bigger the gaps. The bigger the gaps, the more powerful yet relaxed becomes the personality of the meditator. A racing, uncontrolled mind is a handicap in daily life and in work alike. A disciplined, clear mind is a powerful tool for both.

Will you join me in the boat to the other shore?