Dignity in Posture

This might differ from what zen scholars say, but the word that most often comes to my mind when I sit zazen is "dignity." Sitting up straight and true really does something to one's attitude and frame of mind. It's a kind of regal posture without arrogance. I think that maybe this is what our parents were really trying to tell us when they said, "sit up straight!"

Along with disposition of breathing and mind, the posture that we assume in zazen, or sitting zen, is one of the pillars of our practice. Sitting on a cushion and forming a solid and stable three point posture with our legs and buttocks, we straighten our back, stretch our neck, and gaze downward at about a 45 degree angle. When we assume this position, we assume the very position of the Buddha when he achieved enlightenment under the bodhi tree.

Physically, it is very hard to knock someone over when they are sitting in this position. If someone were to place their foot in the middle of your back and pushed, you would bounce back almost automatically, as if attached to a spring. This is how our physical stability translates into greater mental stability, and vice versa. Internally, the zazen posture is a kind of measuring stick or signal: when we lose track of our posture, we should simply exhale and return again and again to our physical and mental position of stability. Awareness of posture and breathing is key to an awareness of mind. Sitting peacefully in the space between our thoughts is called enlightenment.