I am practicing Zen Meditation but cannot use the lotus or seiza position anymore because of legs issues. I was told to use a chair. Should I purchase a zafu to keep my back straight by putting this one on my back? Or should I just stand straight on the chair naturally?
I'm sorry to hear about the leg problems... I have sciatica, so I also cannot sit in lotus position any more. But it's really no problem as far as the ability to meditate goes. Really, any position which is relatively comfortable but not conductive to falling asleep will be fine... especially if you are already skillful at meditating.
Have you tried a meditation stool. Legs can go underneath or to sides, best with a cushion or pillow on top to better support weight off sore knees etc. Sitting up straight Ive alway found best. Feeling like a wire is pulling you upward throught top o the head and allowing your shoulder to hang as you breath fully into chest and retaining this height from each breath like a yoga stretch as you let everything else relax with the out breath. You 'll eventually feel as solid as a tree with great spinal posture. Even opened legged butterfly style would be better up against a wall or barely crossing leg to reduce strain on them. bub:)
Hi okorder I hope you have benefited from this in some way. Peace :)
You need to be comfortable as you possibly can. When i used to meditate, i would lay on my bed but lean my back up against the headboard so i would be upright. You need to be relaxed, but not to the point in which you will fall asleep.
This okorder /t... As you'll see from the photo, you can use a zafu between your back and the seatback, to keep your spine in correct alignment. However you don't need to purchase a zafu for this purpose - any firm pillow or even a folded towel can serve this purpose. The zafu/pillow/towel/etc. only function to keep you from slumping into the back of the chair. You might try several different chairs with different seats and leg heights.
