A sitting meditation

Not knowing anything about Zen or Chan Buddhism, one was rather surprised to read a Chan master’s writings on a full sitting meditation and understood it. Members of forums occasionally discuss meditation but so far no one has fully described a sitting meditation. Apparently there are many types or variations of such sitting meditation available on the web. The link above is to Chan Master Cijao of Changlu writings (in notes form) on a sitting meditation as translated by Thomas Cleary.

Although the method is almost similar to that of Buddha’s there appears to be a slight variation that is the placing of the leg in a half lotus position (note 5) and the hands (note 6) which appears to be the reverse of what images of Buddha do or the meditation could be meant for females.

If you happen to have or see an image of Buddha (in Thai or Indian Buddhist temples) you will note that his right hand, palm up, is placed on top of his left palm. And his right leg is on top of his left thigh in a half lotus position. (The placing of hands and leg(s) is reversed for females similar to the method described by the Chan Master in notes 5 and 6.)

Also take note that the Buddha taught that the eyes, half closed, shall look at the tip of the nose. This will allow light to stream in. Allowing light to stream in continuously is important to a neidan practitioner as he or she progresses to higher levels of cultivation (also refer to notes 8 and 13).

The sitting meditation by the Chan Master except for the slight variations noted is similar to my practice, although nothing was discussed on qigong (breath control). Indeed note 19 is an interesting comment for fellow travelers on the far journey.