Lying Down

[Collective]

Is there any other reason I shouldn't meditate lying down other than I may doze off? When I used to do Yoga Nidra, you had to lie down, and it was ok. I'm thinking of adopting a lying down position with my meditation but there seems to be a negative outlook to this.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks all

[tiltbillings]

Is there any other reason I shouldn't meditate lying down other than I may doze off? When I used to do Yoga Nidra, you had to lie down, and it was ok. I'm thinking of adopting a lying down position with my meditation but there seems to be a negative outlook to this.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks all

If it works for you, good. The only way to find out is to try it.

[Moggalana]

If you don't tend to fall asleep, it's good. After all, it is one of the four postures (sitting, standing, walking, lying). There are some tricks to avoid falling asleep: don't do lying down meditation in your bed or the spot you normally sleep, and don't use the posture you mainly sleep in. I like this posture because it allows me to do relative long meditations (compared to sitting). It's more comfortable and there is less inclination to move the body.

[Collective]

Agreed, I'd like to be that comfortable that I can focus entirely on my meditation and not about any pains and/or strains. Though those too can be handy on times.

[Virgo]

It's one of the four postures.

K

[retrofuturist]

Greetings,

If you don't tend to fall asleep, it's good.

I tend to reserve this posture for when either meditation or sleep would be desirable outcomes... then whichever way it goes is a good result.



Metta,
Retro.

[Bhikkhu Pesala]

It is useful if you're sick, or if you cannot sleep well at night. It is not recommended for healthy people because it is too easy to fall asleep. The secret to staying awake is to remain absolutely still. Lie on the floor with just a carpet or futon. Before very long you will probably get some painful sensations to focus on and keep you awake. Lie on your right side, and do not move a muscle. Sweep your attention down the body from head to foot, noting the main points of contact. Otherwise, note the rising and falling of the abdomen, or the touch of the breath.

While in Burma, due to the extreme heat, I used lying down meditation as it was a little cooler and less stressful during the heat of the day. With only a straw mat and a hard wooden bed to lie on, it was fairly easy to stay awake for an hour or two, but it was not an easy option.

Be careful that “lying down” meditation doesn't become “lying” meditation.

[Ben]

My experience with meditation while lying down besides as a prelude to sleep during retreats, was after abdominal surgery about five years ago.
I wouldnt recommend it for day-to-day practicce.
kind regards

Ben

[Fruitzilla]

If you've got an Alexander Technique teacher in your neighbourhood, you might want to contact him/her.

There's a lying down practice in the Alexander Technique called "active rest", which, if handled correctly, pretty much makes sure you won't get sleepy or drowsy, but calm, awake and clear while lying down.

Here's a link to look at:
http://voice-training.blog.co.uk/2009/12/07/semi-supine-alexander-technique-active-rest-position-part-7555195/

[Sekha]

The Buddha seems to advise to remain for as little as possible in a lying position:

As soon as you wake up, get up quickly, with the thought, 'I won't stay indulging in the pleasure of lying down, the pleasure of reclining, the pleasure of drowsiness.'
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .than.html

I think if he gave this recommandation even to Ven. Maha Moggallana, that means we should consider it relevant for us poor unwise fellows.