Rev. Taigu offers a few more perspectives on the “sitting” of “just sitting.” He says:
Sitting on a cushion is what we normally do. The actual flexibility of this cushion called a zafu makes it possible to position it at an angle which makes sitting much more comfortable. A zafu is a very personal item and one should search around to find the right thickness for the cushion. When putting hands together to form the zazen mudra, we usually put the left hand on top of the right, palms up and thumbs very lightly touching. If you are not using a kolomo, which is a black robe with huge sleeves, then you may use a towel and put it on your lap to support the mudra.
Click to watch today’s talk and to “sit-a-long.” Note: recording ends soon after the beginning bells; a sitting time of 20 to 35 minutes is recommended.
To view all of Jundo and Taigu’s SunSpace posts, including earlier installments of “Zazen for Beginners,” click here.
8 Comments
Ah wonderful! – the cushion tipping – i think this will alleviate some pull on my battered knees! Thank you!
Thank you, Taigu!
What a great talk Taigu! Thank you!
Who is Rev. Taigu? Have we been introduced to him on SunSpace? Maybe I missed that. Thanks for this.
Hi Tania,
Who Am I? Just a priest living in Japan and along with Jundo, one of the teachers in treeleaf. I think I was introduced in my previous post. But here it is: started sitting when I was 13 and now blessed with 45 years of great stupidity. Received priest ordination very early from Mokudo Zeisler, 18 and much later Dharma transmission from Chodo Cross. But all this doesn't really answer your question. I-you-everybody cannot be a name, a story or this and that. So you haven't missed anything. The real thing which is important is to ask: who is Tanya? and Tanya is the only one that can answer;)
Take great care
Thank you for asking Tania
gassho
Taigu
Thank you for this especially the tips on hand and arm positions – they may help with my upper back, shoulder and neck problems.
Thank you too for the wholes series as I am new to zazen
Thank you Taigu for sharing your vast experience. Gassho
Thank you Taigu your teaching always helps ripen my practice. Gassho