Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

yogic postures. Bhikshu's robes are of course especially
suitable for this, but they can only be worn by ordained
monks. For laymen, loose jackets with wide sleeves and
armpits and very wide trousers cut in Chinese style are
comfortable, as are the sarong, the loose, full "skirt"
worn in many Southeast Asian countries. During cold
weather, a good garment for meditation is the practical
Tibetan coat called "boku" or "chuba," with its wide,
side-pleated skirt and wrap-over front.
Western men should avoid stiff-collar shirts, belts, and
tight jackets or trousers; women should avoid
tight-waisted skirts or closely-fitting upper garments. In
general, anything that does not permit of easy, relaxed
posture should be avoided.
i. Posture is important. The seven conditions of
meditation sitting have already been outlined (see Ch. II,
A, 4). We have already mentioned the great effect of
bodily posture upon the mind, and for our practice there
is no doubt that the full-lotus position is the best bodily
aid to yogic attainment. Some say that it is not
necessary to sit in this position, and recommend that one
be comfortable and relaxed with an upright spine while
sitting in a chair. However, according to my experience,
one should try hard to attain this lotus-seat. Westerners
who find this difficult should change their trousers for
Chinese ones and practice little by little every day, using
a firm cushion under the buttocks and first adopting the
half-lotus posture. When this becomes easy it is only a
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