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Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

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These are some exercises which, when practiced<br />

regularly <strong>and</strong> with patience, will ensure eventual easy<br />

sitting in the lotus posture.<br />

Before the full lotus becomes possible, on every<br />

occasion when you have the chance, practice sitting in<br />

the half lotus (one foot raised upon the opposite thigh<br />

<strong>and</strong> the other tucked underneath).<br />

Always keep the legs warm <strong>and</strong> wrap many clothes<br />

around them. This is essential in cool climates where the<br />

legs <strong>and</strong> feet may become cold because the blood<br />

cannot pass easily through the crossed limbs. If the legs<br />

do get cold, one will suffer much pain <strong>and</strong> trouble, <strong>and</strong><br />

this is difficult to cure. By keeping them warm, there<br />

will be no pain <strong>and</strong> one may then sit for a long time.<br />

If a person practices with diligence <strong>and</strong> patience, then<br />

there is no limit to the age at which he may attain the<br />

full lotus though, of course, it is usually easier for the<br />

young.<br />

I myself only started at the age of 28 <strong>and</strong> became<br />

perfect in the posture very slowly, over many months, at<br />

first experiencing much pain. Even now, my walk is a<br />

little abnormal due to this sitting.<br />

If with all energy <strong>and</strong> patience, a meditator finds that he<br />

cannot do it, then in whatever cross-legged position he<br />

or she may adopt, the feet should be clenched, with the<br />

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