MEDITATION POSTURE

I have tried various conventional and unconventional postures over the past two years of meditation practice. The traditional lotus-legged and erect-backed posture sometimes works for me, but sometimes does not. It generally only feels right in the middle of a Yoga session, at other times my awareness is constantly being drawn to body posture and away from actual meditation. I am forever having to straighten my back or adjust my legs.

The various traditions and lineages of Buddhism have differing rules in relation to meditation posture, some being far stricter than others. Some expect a specific pose to be held for an extensive duration and frown if you fail, whereas others allow for individual bodies to feel right or wrong in a set posture and make allowances. Other Buddhism styles promote constant meditation within everyday life, rather than a structured seated or walking practice.

Whilst I wish to remain respectful of the various traditions, I find it more difficult to practice when limited to a specific physical stance. Personally, I find it easier to meditate whilst lying in or on the bed, or whilst doing simple everyday chores. The Yogic Savasana pose is another natural door to meditation for me.

If the idea of meditation is to withdraw from the body senses, I do not understand why a special pose is required, other than for ease of practice. If we are not supposed to retain awareness of body but focus on internal matters, it seems preferable to take the easiest pose in which this can be done rather than attempt to hold a certain posture due to it being conventionally helpful. Surely using a pose which offers the ability to better progress with our practice would be better than attempting to practice in a position that does not personally assist pour own progress?