Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

toes drawn together underneath the feet and the muscles
of the sole somewhat tense. In walking, too, this is a
good practice for yogis, as it leads to a conservation of
inner energies. This "pigeon-toes" walk certainly
requires mindfulness to maintain, but results in
upward-flowing energies not being dissipated, as occurs
with the usual flat-footed walk. Sitting with the feet
curled up in this way will then ensure that energy
currents in the body flow upward (as the full lotus
automatically causes them to do, since the feet there
naturally assume an upward and slightly curled position
like two small wings).
Finally on this subject, Mr. Chen added:
Of course, for those who can do this posture easily and
comfortably (such as my wife, who is thin and can cross
her legs without the help of hands), there is no need to
practice these exercises.
G. Nine Steps and Six Conditions for Samatha
We had already seen the list which Mr. Chen produced,
taken from one of his unpublished books. This helpful
series of steps, which we believe to be unknown as such
in the Theravada tradition, is given here:
1. The Nine Steps
a. Inward abiding: to be able to draw back the mind
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