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Q-02:  May I ask regarding sitting meditation? How do we position our legs when meditating? I am currently meditating cross-legged. There were several occasions where I found that my feet was numb (blood circulation restricted) after meditation, and had difficulty walking for a while after that. May I know how I can mitigate this problem?

With Metta,

Sean

Q-02:  This is one difficulty that most if not all beginners face in meditation. All beginners should receive proper guidance and instructions before embarking on his/her meditation journey. This is to minimise all discomfort and problems, like yours. So, the first advice would be to join a class and receive right and useful instructions and help from a “trained” teacher.

With your current sitting position, relieve would only come with more right practice and patience. You may want to try the following methods so that you will be able to find your most comfortable position to relax and enjoy yourself.

• keep legs a little apart from each other

• keep one foot to rest on the other crossed thigh, while the other rests beneath the opposing crossed leg

• keep one foot to rest on the opposite crossed thigh, while the other foot rests in front of the crossed leg

All these sitting positions are not the only positions, a meditator can practise with. You may sit on a stool or in a chair. The sitting position of your choice should suit you and be comfortable for you. And your sitting position should make you elegant and graceful while you're sitting in meditation.

With Metta,

Ashin Acara

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     Dhamma Questions are answered by Bhante U Cittara, resident monk of Mangala Vihara, and his assistant monks. Questions and comments on given answers are welcome. Send your questions and comments to resident_monk@mangalavihara.org.sg.