Sunday Times 2
The art of letting go: Insights into meditation postures
View(s):Ajahn Brahm, a renowned Buddhist monk and meditation teacher, gave an insightful talk on the importance of meditation posture during a session on March 29, 2014. Through his humorous and profound way of teaching, Ajahn Brahm dismantles common misconceptions about meditation posture, reminding practitioners that meditation is not about forcing the body into rigid positions but about cultivating awareness, kindness, and letting go. This article explores his reflections on the role of posture in meditation, emphasising the importance of comfort, wisdom, and relaxation in the practice.
Ajahn Brahm: The body naturally knows how to find its own posture
The myth of the perfect posture
Ajahn Brahm begins by addressing a common question among meditation practitioners: “How should I sit?” Contrary to popular belief, he explains that there is no magic in maintaining a specific posture or hand position. Whether one sits cross-legged, in full lotus, or in a chair, the key is comfort. He humorously remarks, “You don’t get any extra power by connecting the thumbs together, nor do you get extra power by sitting on the floor.”
For many in the modern world, sitting on the floor can be uncomfortable or even painful. Ajahn Brahm encourages practitioners to sit in a way that feels natural and sustainable for them, whether in a chair or a relaxed version of a lotus position. He dismisses the obsession with achieving the perfect “lotus” posture, joking that “Any old lotus will do – half lotus, quarter lotus, or even 1% lotus.” The aim is not to conform to a rigid ideal but to find what works best for the individual.
The body knows best
Ajahn Brahm makes one of the most compelling points: the body naturally knows how to find its own posture. In moments of deep meditation, when the mind becomes calm and the body relaxes, it will often adjust without conscious intervention. He recounts a personal experience when, during a bout of illness and fever in Thailand, he entered a deep meditation despite the physical discomfort. Upon emerging from meditation, he was surprised to find his body in a strange, sprawled position, arms and legs “all over the place,” like someone who had been asleep.
This anecdote serves as a powerful reminder that meditation is not about controlling the body but about letting go and allowing the body to settle naturally. Ajahn Brahm teaches that when we stop trying to force ourselves into “correct” positions, the body finds its own way to relaxation, allowing us to enter deeper states of meditation.
Wisdom power vs. willpower
One of the central themes of Ajahn Brahm’s teaching is the distinction between wisdom power and willpower. While many meditation practitioners may try to force themselves into a specific posture or sit through discomfort with sheer willpower, Ajahn Brahm advocates for a more compassionate approach: use wisdom instead of willpower.
When discomfort arises during meditation—whether it’s a knee pain, an itch, or an ache—he encourages practitioners to observe the sensation with wisdom rather than react to it impulsively. Is the pain something that will go away on its own, or does it require an adjustment? By listening to the body and making small adjustments when necessary, meditators can find a balance between stillness and comfort.
The body’s automatic healing
Ajahn Brahm shares a fascinating story of a woman on a meditation retreat. During a deep meditation, she found herself in an extremely twisted posture. Concerned for her well-being, Ajahn Brahm checked on her after the session, only to find that she felt “incredible” and was completely unaware of the awkward position she had been sitting in. Upon further inquiry, the woman revealed that she had been in a serious car accident in the past, and the twisted posture appeared to be part of the body’s natural healing process.
This story highlights the body’s innate ability to heal itself during meditation. When we let go of control and allow the body to move or adjust naturally, it can release stored tension, stress, and even trauma. Ajahn Brahm explains that the body “knows the right posture” and, when we meditate, it often shifts in subtle ways to facilitate healing.
Responding to discomfort
with kindness
Ajahn Brahm emphasises the importance of responding to discomfort with kindness rather than frustration or impatience. During meditation, it’s common for the mind to become preoccupied with small discomforts, such as an itchy nose or a sore back. Ajahn Brahm likens this to receiving phone calls from different parts of the body: first, the knee rings, then the nose, then the bottom, all demanding attention. However, by refusing to “answer the call,” the discomfort often subsides on its own.
That said, Ajahn Brahm acknowledges that some discomforts need to be addressed. Through trial and error, meditators learn to distinguish between sensations that require movement and those that can be ignored. He advises practitioners to use wisdom in deciding when to adjust their posture, ensuring that meditation remains both comfortable and effective.
Posture and mental relaxation
Ajahn Brahm makes a powerful connection between physical posture and mental relaxation. Once the body is comfortable, the mind can more easily settle into stillness. For many people, physical discomfort is a major obstacle to deep meditation, as it keeps the mind restless and distracted. However, when the body finds its natural posture and becomes relaxed, the mind follows suit, leading to greater clarity and peace.
He encourages meditators to apply the same principles of awareness and letting go to their mental world. Just as we let go of controlling the body, we must also release control over the mind. Instead of forcing thoughts away or trying to achieve a specific mental state, we simply observe the mind with kindness and allow it to relax naturally.
Conclusion: The art of letting go
Ajahn Brahm’s teachings on meditation posture remind us that meditation is not about control or rigidity but about letting go and allowing the body and mind to find their natural state of relaxation. Through mindfulness, wisdom, and kindness, we learn to listen to our bodies, adjust as needed, and trust in the process of meditation.
In the words of Ajahn Brahm, “The body knows how to look after its posture, and I don’t need to.” By relinquishing control and embracing a more compassionate, flexible approach to meditation, we can experience deeper states of peace and well-being.
| An opportunity to learn from his wisdom firsthand Ajahn Brahm will be visiting Sri Lanka early next year, and a public sermon will be held on the 18th of May 2025. Mark the date and prepare for an enriching spiritual journey guided by one of the most respected voices in the Buddhist world. The organisers invite all followers to keep this date free and take advantage of this rare opportunity to meet him in person and learn from his wisdom firsthand. Please also visit https://youtu.be/mToqDCemp4c | |