Meditation Interviews – How to Meditate

Zen Shikantaza – Breath Counting Meditation (Seated Meditation)

—An Interview with Grace Schireson, Part One—

In this three part meditation interview, Zen Instructor Grace Schireson speaks on the types of meditation she both teaches her students and practices herself, primarly Zen Shikantaza (seated meditation) and Breath Counting. She goes on to compare letting go to turning toward the light, and concludes with an encouraging approach towards Habit Mind.

Meditation How: What form of meditation do you practice?

Grace: My home base for meditation practice is 45 years of experience in Soto Zen shikantaza, or the school of silent illumination. Many times throughout the day I will find my breath for a minute or two of practice. I meditate every day (20-30 minutes) with this method, once or twice a day. I also lead regularly scheduled meditation retreats, classes and workshops where I teach this practice and point out the way it changes your life from the inside out.

I have determined that this specific practice is most reliable for me and my students and does not require close supervision from a teacher. While I believe it is essential for meditation students to have a teacher for guidance, some practices are more risky in my view—that is they can create energetic imbalances and require closer supervision. For example, koan practice from the Chinese, Korean and Japanese traditions may require a kind of forceful effort that may leave a student off balance or depleted.

I have studied this method with my own teacher in Kyoto, Fukushima Keido Roshi of Tofukuji monastery, but I only teach it to students who are committed to working closely with me, and who are of a steady and mature temperament. I have also studied Tibetan practices and visualizations, but I believe that these more elaborate trainings require closer supervision and ongoing and extensive trainings.

Meditation How: Thank you. I am excited to hear more. I am a bit confused. You mention that you “find your breath” for a minute or two, and then you write that you meditate for a 20-30 minute period once or twice a day. Are these separate practices, and what do they entail exactly. Perhaps you can describe the process of each.

Grace: Finding the breath is informal meditation wherever you may be, sitting for 20-30 minutes is formal meditation. One needs to practice both ways.

Meditation How: Can you describe to me how “finding the breath” works?

Grace: My teacher always said that a good Zen student always knows where her breath is. So even though we breathe automatically, we can become conscious of the subtle qualities of the breath—where it is in the body, is it long or short, tight or loose— and work to develop a softer, more refined and healing breath. We can notice where our bodies are tight, breathe into the tension and let go.

Seated meditation involves taking a meditation posture, as is customary in a particular tradition, and focusing on the breath, especially counting the exhale at the beginning. One counts from one to ten, exhales only and returns to one again. The attention is focused on the breath, and the mind is like a big sky, where thoughts cross, but are not engaged as a thinking activity. As concentration deepens subtle signs appear—peacefulness, bliss and a quality of engaged and tangible presence.

Meditation How: Is it your personal experience that these practices of breath counting meditation and sitting meditation carry over something of their quality into those moments when you are not in meditation?

Continue with Part Two:
Toward the Light – Let Go (Being Present, Breath, Exhalation)

Life as Meditation – Interviews, Testimonials, Experiences

—Interviews reflecting on Life as Meditation—

Life as Meditation – Doreen Connors
"This is nearly impossible to describe, the “how” of the way one’s awakening unfolds. I have heard that many people are spiritual seekers. I cannot characterize what happened “to me” as a result of a ‘search’ -most definitely not the case for me. I know of folks who considered themselves “seekers” and then stopped seeking, and discovered who they are."“

—Doreen Connors

From a Meditation Interview with Doreen Connors
>>> Go to the Page with this Quote.
>>> Go to Part One of this Interview.

Life as Meditation – Oldriska Balouskova
"When I first started meditating on a regular basis, I put too much effort into it. I tried to get somewhere. Eventually I realized that meditation is another name for simply being aware of what is- that I am already “home”- that there is nowhere to go- that the only thing “to do” is to allow myself to sink deeper into this moment now."“

—Oldriska Balouskova

From a Meditation Interview with Oldriska Balouskova
>>> Go to the Page with this Quote.
>>> Go to Part One of this Interview.

Life as Meditation – Genjo Marinello Osho
" Slowly but surely all of life becomes the continuous mindfulness practice of being fully present to whatever activity one is engaged in. As I understand it, this is the point of more structured meditation such as zazen to be the foundation of a life of mindfulness and being present to the presence in all that we do.

Being “present to the presence” is being aware of the “absolute” or “emptiness” or “inconceivable” in everything and in all that we do. I see a progression of practice from chanting, to silence (zazen), to simple motion (kinhin) such as walking, running, Tai Chi…, to simple work (samu) such as sweeping, weeding, chopping vegetables…, to more complex behavior such as one’s work place, relationships and even politics."“

—Genjo Marinello Osho

From a Meditation Interview with Genjo Marinello Osho
>>> Go to the Page with this Quote.
>>> Go to Part One of this Interview.

***

If you view life as meditation, please consider sharing your story by participating in a meditation interview.

>>> What is meant by life as meditation?
~~Read articles that consider life as meditation.~~

Following the Breath – Mindfulness Meditation – Breathing

—An Interview with John Nordell—

John Nordell is professional photographer turned teacher of photography. He has been meditating since 1989. In this three part meditation testimonial and interview, John speaks on Following the Breath, Mindfulness Meditation, Conscious Breathing, Meditation and Healing, and Letting Go of Fear.

Meditation How: How and when were you first introduced to meditation and what form of meditation?

John:I was first introduced to meditation when I took some Hatha Yoga classes in 1989. It was basic learning about following the breath in and out, lying on my back relaxing at the end of class. I was also introduced to the concept that aspects of self-care can become ironic: rushing to get to yoga class to relax after work and getting stressed out in the process.

Meditation How: What type of meditation do you practice presently? Is it still about following the breath?

John: I often stop by the Connecticut River on my way to work and look out over lake-like section created by a dam. My session starts when I read a brief passage relating to leading a spiritual life. Sometimes I just focus on the breath going in and out, aware of either my belly moving or air entering and leaving my nostrils. Sometimes I add some phrases to accompany the in and out breaths.

Following the Breath - Mindfulness Meditation

Here is favorite set from Thich Nhat Hanh-“Breathing in, I know I am breathing in. Breathing out, I know I am breathing out. Breathing in, I see myself as a flower. Breathing out, I feel fresh. Breathing in, I see myself as a mountain. Breathing out, I feel solid. Breathing in, I see myself as still water. Breathing out, I reflect all this is. Breathing in, I see myself as space. Breathing out, I feel free.”

I had done these for a few days, when I realized that from where I parked, I could see flowers. I could see a mountain. Sometimes the water was still- a very powerful connection to nature. And, as Thich Nhat Hanh reminds, space (the stars) are always up there, even when the sun it out. Beyond formal morning sessions, I try to turn washing the dishes or morning grooming or house cleaning into a present moment meditative experience.

Meditation How:Are you watching the breath or counting while you breathe? Also, you mentioned an awareness or mindfulness present while washing the dishes, and other day-to-day events. I’d like to hear about your experiences while meditating (in terms of feelings) and also to what degree your meditation carries over into your perspective (and/or capacity to deal with) more difficult times/moments.

John:I mostly watch the flow of my breath in and out. I have tried different counting methods and ideas, but I feel that I start forcing the breath. That approach feels unnatural. My goal is that by consciously following the breath during structured meditation times, this habit will follow me throughout the day. Sometimes when I meditate, my feelings don’t change much. Other times I feel joy, peace, connected- sometime sadness or anger.

Seven years ago I was diagnosed with cancer. As I was wheeled into the operating room so a surgeon could biopsy the tumor in my chest I consciously breathed, again lines from Thich Nhat Han- “Breathing in I calm my body, Breathing out I smile.” I think I went under with a smile on my face. During chemotherapy, I listened to guided visualization healing tape. I also listened to and practiced with some Jon Kabat-Zinn mindfulness meditation tapes. These practices were a key element of my healing.

Continue with Part Two:
Conscious Breathing – Meditation and Healing – Relaxation

Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form, Koan Practice, Duality

—An Interview with Seikan Čech, Part Seven—
>>> Part One: Just Sitting – Meditation Practice (Being in the Body, Experiences with Zen)

Meditation How: The picture frame metaphor really helps me, in relationship to acceptance and trust. I am compelled to ask one more question, and then I would like to conclude the interview. I have thoroughly enjoyed this process and want to thank you so much for participating and sharing so much. My last question has to do with the apparent duality present in the recognition of the picture frame and the recognizer of the picture frame. Do you see a relationship here between witness and picture, or is this question another “out-of-body” entertaining of ideas?

Seikan: Metaphors can be helpful, so long as we let go of them before too long. If one metaphor works from one angle, it will not work from another. This is why practicing Zen and sharing ideas about Zen are in different ballparks. Ideas, even the most interesting ones, are essentially about creating stops and closing things down, whereas Zen practice is more about opening up and letting things move. So while we are in the realm of ideas, the most Zen way is probably to begin contradicting one idea with the next, hence the Zen method of Koan practice.

But you are right about the presence of duality – and not just between “recognition” and “recognizer” in the picture frame metaphor, but as earlier mentioned also between “intent” and “letting go” in the way we normally begin to practice. Without the presence of duality, there would be no need to practice Zen in the first place. But then in the course of practice, especially from the core of sitting meditation, duality begins to recede and reality sets in. In practice even the duality between the relative and the absolute is not a real issue – “form is emptiness, and emptiness is form”.

Meditation How: I understand. Of course. Well said. Thank you so much for your willingness to share and discuss your understanding of Zen and meditation practice in this meditation interview.

Form is Emptiness and Emptiness is Form, Practice of Koans, Non-Duality

About Seikan: Seikan Čech is a Zen monk based in Melbourne Australia. From a professional background as a psychotherapist and counselor, Seikan is particularly interested in supporting people to discover our inherent wellness whatever the circumstances. His contact details are – email: seikan@zen.org.au, or phone: +61 410 827027

Sitting Practice – Sitting Zazen, To Just Sit, Start Meditation

—An Interview with Seikan Čech, Part Four—
>>> Part One: Just Sitting – Meditation Practice (Being in the Body, Experiences with Zen)

Meditation How: I get what you are saying now, especially with your words “the breath can breathe itself, pains can feel themselves, sounds can be sounds”. In this way there is no identification going on. Everything is happening by itself. You spoke early on of the intent to meditate as an idea-that this idea fades as we begin to actually just sit. The process is initiated out of the intent to sit and start meditation. I am curious about this intent.

When I ask about where the idea to sit comes from, I am really asking about what it is that draws us to meditation (i.e. the intent). Do you feel that the intent to sit is supported by this same simplicity-that the body knows of sitting inherently-just as the breath breathes itself? I want to assure that my intent here is not to talk in circles, but I suppose if we are talking then we must expect circles. There is something I want to get at in earnest and that has to do with this draw towards meditation. Otherwise, everyone everywhere would already be involved in sitting meditation practice.

Seikan: I do not know what it is that specifically draws someone to Zazen, and how their intent arises. Most probably it varies somewhat depending on the individual and their circumstances. Again, I would firstly say that it is not so important to try and get to the bottom of this. Having said that, though, our intent will obviously in turn influence our approach and attitude to our practice. In Zen, the most direct path comes from an attitude which is wholehearted and non-expecting, in other words not weighed down by any particular intent. So I often use the phrase: “Let your motivation bring you to the practice, then leave it at the door.”

A more common scenario is that we hold on to what has brought us to meditate, and this then upholds, but also complicates, our sitting practice for some time. I mean you are exactly right, if sitting Zazen was happening as naturally as breathing or having ideas, then everybody everywhere would be doing it now. One of the reasons why people do not do it is because there are countless alternative activities that are much more enticing, entertaining, pleasurable, distracting, and/or mind-numbing than to be sitting still. There are many many toys on offer in life, and naturally we tend to keep on playing with these toys for as long as we can.

If and when our toys of choice start to become unavailable or less effective, we can start practicing Zen more easily, even without too many promises or expectations. In my own case, I probably only started sitting wholeheartedly once I felt there was nothing better to do. So the starting point can sometimes involve a measure of despair, which then makes it easier to start sitting and accept the practice as it is.

So why sit Zazen? For no reason! It simply becomes a way of being at the most basic level, something along the lines of “You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave.” – And yes, talking about it as we are now invariably involves dancing around in circles. So thanks for the dance Benjamin.

>>> Part Five: Here and Now – Letting Go – Zen Practice (Flowers and Freedom)

Bowing Practice – Bowing Meditation, Gassho, Hapchang – Paying Attention

—Interview with Carlos Montero, Part Four—
Go to Part One of this Interview:
Form of Meditation – The Point of Meditation

Meditation How: That is absolutely the clearest explanation of karma I have heard. Thank you so much for that. It is so often depicted as being something we can do nothing about. If it is only a matter of tendency and likelihood due to habit, then this can be addressed through paying attention, meditation, and mindfulness. Karma is often used as an excuse or scapegoat for one’s behavior. Please tell me if I am clear here. I want to move on to bowing meditation. I know you offered a link, and we can definitely include that, yet I would like to hear it from you directly.

Carlos: I am glad that I helped you understand the term karma. Not only we can do something about it, we actually create it! if we created it, we can also extinguish it. Your comments on karma are very clear too, I think you already understand. Yeah some people may use karma as a scapegoat but at the same time that karma came about some kind of previous action so it is impossible to deny responsibility.

Regarding bowing meditation. There is a nun in our school who has a great deal of energy and during her intensive training she focused on bowing. She actually did 3000 bows every day (it takes about 6-7 hrs to do this) every day for many years. When I asked her about bowing she said to me in her strong korean accent: “Sitting meditation is like taking a bicycle to enlightenment, bowing is like ROCKET!” hahaha.

Also Zen Master Seung Sahn always did a lot of bows to center his energy. Personally I have done some bowing practice and I agree with these comments. It is really a very powerful practice which involves focusing and paying attention, just like sitting, but with the added physical component. After a lot of bowing the mind reaches one-pointedness as it is helped by all the focused activity. Also if one’s thinking or desires are too strong, sometimes sitting will not help as much. In that case, bowing is most effective.

At the same time, bowing is a very humbling act. You are prostrating yourself to the universe, getting back up, and then down again. I really appreciate bowing in my personal life and recommend it to many people. If you really want to attain bowing, then you should do it. At the beginning even doing 108 bows is difficult and the legs tend to be very sore but it all gets much better after some practice. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Meditation How: I remember reading about bowing in, I believe it was the Flower Sutra- bowing in particular to various Buddhas, and on and on. Can you explain the details of the bowing? What kind of motions are involved? Does this matter, or is it more about the gratitude and focus? All of your answers are really helpful. I think we are close to this interview’s natural conclusion. Perhaps one more question after this one. Thanks for your participation, once again.

Carlos: I am not familiar with the flower sutra (is that the avatamsaka sutra?) and what it says with respect to bowing. When we do bowing (prostrations) we start standing with our hands in the praying position (hapchang in korean, gassho in japanese) then we go down on our knees on a mat. Then we put both hands on the mat and bring our foreheads down until it lightly touches the mat. Then we rock our tail bone back and turn the hands palm up. Then we get up to a full standing position and repeat the whole process.

This is the mechanics of bowing but the physical part is not as important as how you keep your mind while you are doing it. Most important is to 100% be involved in the act of bowing. Feeling how gravity pulls you down and how our muscles do work to bring us back up. Sensations of heat, fatigue, heavy breathing, etc all those are part of the experience of bowing. Just like in any other meditation our thinking mind will take us somewhere other than the experience.

Our job is to return to just bowing. In our temples and during retreats we bow 108 times every morning. It is the responsibility of the person to count these bows and that can be done mentally (which also helps to focus the mind) or with beads. Another great technique to help focus our attention while we bow is keep the great question. What am I? or in this case, Who is bowing?

This question ultimately leads to don’t know, then all thinking is cut off and you are back to just bowing. I can write a dissertation on bowing but most helpful is for you to try it. Regarding the reason for bowing, it really doesn’t matter. For some people it is more about gratitude, for others more about focus. Better is to not make anything special and just do it! If you ask me, why do I bow, I would just say, I do it for you.

Continue with Part Five of this Interview:
Meditation Advice – Carlos Montero – Zen

Meditation Advice – Carlos Montero, South Florida Zen Group

—Interview with Carlos Montero, Part Five—
Go to Part One of this Interview:
Form of Meditation – The Point of Meditation

Meditation How: I have really enjoyed this process and learned a great deal from this discussion. I have one last question and that is if you have any meditation advice to share with those who may just be beginning to practice. This, and perhaps you could tell us about the various meditation-related activities there in Florida.

Carlos: In regards to your question about advice to beginners- most important is to make a decision to practice. Many people who are new to Buddhism just become scholars by reading as many books as possible. Buddhism is not an intellectual exercise. The Buddha himself attempted to study all teachings available at the time and realized the futility of it. Buddhism is about waking up to our true nature. This true nature we already possess, we just don’t believe it. Only through actual practice can we reconnect with what we already are.

Understanding ourselves is the gate to the cessation of suffering in this world. There are many endeavors in our world, many things we could do; however, some type of introspective practice should be at the top of the list. The Buddha said, a life which is not investigated is not worth living. Soon this body will get old and die, it happens very fast. It is very important to do something about it before it is too late. Zen practice has worked for me but there are other valuable paths, just do it.

In Florida there is a great deal of Dharma practice. Our group is in the South Florida area and we serve Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Our website has our information www.southfloridazen.org Groups affiliated with the Kwan Um School of Zen are also located in Orlando, Gainesville, and Tallahassee. There are other groups in the state and a very comprehensive list can be found on this link: https://www.smiling-buddha.com/fldharma/ I have also enjoyed answering your questions.

Meditation Advice, Carlos Montero - South Florida Zen Group

About Carlos: Carlos Montero is Dharma Teacher and Founder of the South Florida Zen Group.

Understanding Karma – Mind Habits, True Nature, New Karma, No-Mind

—Interview with Carlos Montero, Part Three—
Go to Part One of this Interview:
Form of Meditation – The Point of Meditation

Meditation How: Thank you for going into the distinction between needs and desires, and giving an account of your experiences and understanding of meditation. I have one more question to do with this, and then I would like to move on to a more detailed account of bowing meditation and perhaps chanting, as well. My question has to do with something you just said, and that was that- “Our actions usually have a reason behind them. Most of the time that reason is selfish. Through practice and the uncovering of our innate compassion, we begin acting more for all beings.” If I am doing my math here, then the “reasons” you speak of are our motives- and the motiveless alternative would mean encountering each moment with nothing in mind. Are you saying that this would necessarily yield all that is needed?

Carlos: Yes, our reasons are our motives, same thing. Motiveless action means selfless action in other words, not-for-me motives. If you act only to help this world then whatever ensues after that is no problem. I don’t know if it would yield all that is needed, I also don’t know if you will like the outcome, but there will be an outcome and this outcome will be perfect as it is. Sometimes we just try to help but our actions cause others to be upset or it may even seem it made the situation worse. We mustn’t be concerned about the outcome, only the willingness to try is necessary. The rest is just karma playing itself out and really not a problem at all.

Understanding Karma, Mind Habits, True Nature

Meditation How: Is it fair to ask you for a brief explanation of karma? I have my own way of understanding karma and my ideas about it, but I would like to hear about it from you, as you refer to it here. I am not sure I believe it exists on an individual basis.

Carlos: Oh sure, Karma is very simple. We say that a person’s karma is his/her’s mind habits. My mind, my thoughts, likes, dislikes, opinions, history, etc is different from yours and from everyone’s in this world. This is just the energy that our mind has accumulated and keeps on going on and on as we keep on having life experiences. Karma is not good and bad, we all have our mental make-up or karma. The problem is when this karma controls us.

Also karma can change as it is created moment to moment by our actions. So for example, if one day you have an alcoholic drink, then next day two, then three and so on you, those actions will have a consequence, maybe you become an alcoholic and then your mind just thinks of that constantly. That is just an example of how an action can turn into some mind habit. There could be a million examples like this one.

Also if you stop drinking and moment to moment keep a clear mind then new karma is created, another consequence to your actions. Again, it is very simple. Karma is not something you have to believe in or not, it just happens to everyone. It is not some esoteric concept but part of our lives as human beings. Only the word is sorta weird. Regarding my use of karma in my previous message, it means that actions will have consequences- some of these consequences may not be evident or right at that moment.

For example, you smoke very day, eventually you may get lung cancer but not right away. So this consequence took a while to come but still it did. This is karma playing itself out. Some say that some of these consequences may even come from previous lives. That I can’t really prove or disprove but it would explain many things. How do we end up being born where we are, and from the parents we have, some rich, some poor, some sick, some healthy, etc etc.

Again, I am not a proponent of rebirth or past lives but I don’t object to it either. I just don’t know. That not-knowing is our true nature. Even more important, we we are truly in don’t know mind 100%, then no thoughts appear, then no karma appears, that is enlightenment- that is Zen. That is why in meditation we practice don’t know. That’s really all there is too it.

Don’t know does not mean blankness, it means keeping a great question while not holding on to anything, especially the thoughts that are bound to come and go. Even if for a split second, all thinking stops, then at that time it is possible to perceive clearly. With practice we return to this point more and more and learn what it has to offer. This is why practice is so important in Zen.

Continue with Part Four of this Interview:
Bowing Practice – Bowing Meditation-Gassho

Meditation Centers, Retreats – Guide, Listings, Information

—An Interview with Peter Ford of GoSit.org, Part Three—
Go to Part One of Peter Ford’s Interview—
Meditation Centers, Retreats, Classes – Buddhism, Yoga

Peter: The vision for GoSit.org was a web site to help people decide where to go to learn about and to practice meditation. There are so many meditation centers these days. Magazines like Tricycle are full of advertisements for meditation centers. Most residential centers have web sites that explain how good their retreats are. I assume most people have limited time and money to devote to training periods. So, it would be beneficial to have an independent guide to help us decide where to go to practice meditation.

Originally the site was going to focus on centers that offered intensive training sessions, but it seemed unfair to exclude groups that regularly practice together without offering retreats. So GoSit.org lists all kinds of meditation groups and retreat centers. The main idea of the site was to provide a forum for individuals to comment on their experiences after attending retreats. I was hopeful that many people would share their opinions, and that would give others a much clearer idea of what to expect when selecting a meditation center.

Unfortunately very few web users have entered comments. However, the site does provide a number of ways to search for meditation centers; for example, by city, state, zip or area code. It incorporates Yahoo Maps and Google custom searches to provide additional information that might be useful in selecting a center. Listings are free and help promote meditation centers. To make the site more inspirational it has a number of quotes from popular books on meditation that randomly appear in the top banner.

Links to book excerpts and purchasing through Amazon are available. (Although a few dollars in commissions are earned from Amazon, the web site definitely costs more than it earns.) The Find Books link promotes a number of books that have been recommended for learning more about meditation and Buddhism. Also, the Links page gives links to a number of other web sites that might be useful for those who meditate, including libraries of free online books and articles.

Meditation How: Thank you for going into those details and explaining how the site works. It is a terrific idea. Perhaps this interview can drive a few more visitors there. Are you open to these same advertisers who advertise on Tricycle? You could offer these centers space at a fraction of the cost of Tricycle or Shambhala Sun all to help support this site.

Peter: I don’t think the web site could maintain its independence if it had paid advertising from centers. I never thought of it as a money-making venture, but as a hobby and providing a useful service. In my mind the cost is like a donation to a charity, and in this case I know how the money is being used, which I’m skeptical about when contributing to large charities.

Meditation How: That all makes sense. How do you keep your records of various centers up to date? Do they volunteer this information, or is it something you do? Also, is there any orientation or set of standards that a center must meet before you include them?

Continue with An Interview with Peter Ford of GoSit.org, Part Four

Meditation, How– Teachers vs. Self-Taught, Practice, Postures

—An Interview with Peter Ford of GoSit.org, Part Two—
Go to Part One of Peter Ford’s Interview—
Meditation Centers, Retreats, Classes – Buddhism, Yoga

Peter: About teachers, I think people learn in different ways. Those who’ve become teachers probably studied with teachers. I feel like I learned enough to get started from Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind and later from other books. I’ve met a few teachers, and I’m sure they’ve added to my practice, but none gave me the feeling that I needed to go back and see them regularly. I got to know one fairly well established teacher a bit on a personal level, and he basically said it was a job.

From a monetary standpoint, if teaching is your job, you need students. So, it’s obviously in teachers’ self-interest to promote the idea that we need teachers to make progress.

I sit on a cushion on the floor for 40 minutes every morning with very rare exceptions. Since I’m semi-retired, work at home, and mostly set my own schedule, it’s usually no problem finding the time. I’m able to comfortably sit in a full-lotus for about 25 minutes.

When I start to feel that I’m hurting my knees, I switch to a Burmese position. Before going to bed I normally sit in a Burmese position for 15-20 minutes. I feel that these positions allow me to keep my back straight. Once I’ve got my posture, I feel like I’m doing meditation, and I don’t have to do anything else.

Often I count my breaths, or focus on letting go, but I don’t obsess over what’s going on in my mind. Really, more and more, I believe meditation is a physical process that has more to do with chemical brain function than psychology. I’ve said for a long time that the reason for reading books on meditation or Buddhism or going to group sessions is to encourage us to deepen our commitment to practice more than to learn anything new.

Meditation How: I appreciate all that you offered about teachers, and our different ways of learning. I have to tell you that I am impressed that you can do full lotus for any length of time. Also, I am curious about the Burmese position. Can you tell me more about it, as well as any other insights into posture that you have picked up– especially for how you see the physical element as being so essential.

Peter: The Burmese position is pretty comfortable for many people. I use this or a quarter lotus position when I intend to sit longer than about 25 minutes. Here’s a page I found with good pictures of meditation positions. I do believe that posture is a large part of meditation. I think remaining still in an alert and relaxed posture facilitates a meditative state of mind.

Whenever I realize I’m daydreaming, I notice that my posture has slumped. The chin being tucked-in really does seem to promote awareness. I think maintaining the posture develops discipline, self-confidence, grounding, and the ability to focus on reality. Of course, the mind always wanders, but straightening the posture seems to start something happening in the brain. This is totally speculative on my part, but I’m convinced good posture has a beneficial effect through hormones, brain waves, or some physical process.

There seems to be a fair amount of research showing that meditation does affect the brain. I’ve linked to a couple of articles on this topic at the website here. In Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind Suzuki says in his talk about posture—

"These forms are not the means of obtaining the right state of mind. To take this posture is itself to have the right state of mind. There is no need to obtain some special state of mind."

I’ve come to believe that from my practice.

Meditation How: Thank you. I will have to try adjusting posture and pay attention to differences. I want to ask now about GoSit.org. Can you tell me more about your vision for this site– what it offers, and what kind of information one can get there?

Continue with An Interview with Peter Ford of GoSit.org, Part Three