Monday, October 6, 2014

Meditative Sitting



"There are two kinds of sitting. One is for the purpose of rest. For this, you may sit in any position that you find comfortable. More important than posture here is a serene mind, free from anxious thoughts. Direct the mind and the breathing to the tan-t'ien or abdomen in order to feel restful.

The second kind of sitting is Meditative Sitting. It affects many neural meridians, from the feet to such areas of the upper body as the kidneys, liver and spleen. The heat created by this exercise increases blood circulation and helps the stomach digest food. Rheumatism and arthritis can be cured and prevented by this method.

In Meditative Sitting, correct posture is very important. After you have finished eating, sit erect in a chair of sensible height, enabling the feet to rest comfortably on the floor. Direct the mind and the breathing to the tan-t'ien and place the tongue against the palate to gather saliva. When swallowed, the saliva reproduces the vitality or sexual essence.  Cover your knees with the palms of your hands, with your fingers against the indentations at the bases of the kneecaps. Exert a light pressure with the middle three fingers of each hand. Press the ring finger of each hand against the outer hollow, the middle finger against the inner joint.

Meditative Sitting is convenient and easy to do. It can be performed anywhere, even when you are sitting in an office or in your bedroom before retiring for the night. You may continue to apply pressure to the meridians of the knees as long as you like, to improve the circulation and help the inner organs of the abdomen function well."

--from T'ai Chi Ch'uan & Meditation by Da Liu

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