2. the posture

"If someone asks what true Zen is, it is not necessary to open your mouth to explain. Show him all the aspects of your zazen posture. Then the spring wind will blow and open the wonderful plum blossom."
(Daichi Sokei 1290 - 1366)

It is important to understand the different aspects of Zen posture, so as not to force the body into a rigidly immobile position that goes against its natural physiology. The posture is balance and relaxation in verticality.

The position of the pelvis is key. It is best to sit in the middle of the zafu (round cushion whose thickness depends on the sitter’s flexibility), on the ischia, so that the pelvis is stabilized by the knees’ contact with the floor. The legs are in the lotus or half-lotus position. Correctly positioning the pelvis and determining the thickness of the zafu enables the spine to be directed skyward without creating harmful tensions in the upper back or between vertebrae and allows the head to be naturally straight. The shoulders, ribcage and abdomen are relaxed in order to allow for free and easy breathing. The eyes are half-closed, and lowered to the floor at a 45° angle.

The wrists are placed on the upper thighs. The fingers of the left hand are placed on top of the fingers of the right, palms upward; above this, the thumbs touch with a firm but light contact, forming a continuous line. The edges of the hands touch the abdomen.

During zazen, vigilant attention should be paid to each detail, as well as to the breathing. This way, the mind is brought back to the body and unity is achieved. Thoughts are no longer strung along one after the other. They appear, because it is their nature to do so, but if attention is maintained or returned to the posture, they disappear without a trace. Naturally and unconsciously, personal will ceases to act and seek a goal. Only the present moment remains.

It is impossible to see your own posture and easy to be deluded about your own practice. It is highly recommended that you not practice alone and that you receive advice from an experienced practitioner in a dojo ("hall of the Way").