General discussion of issues related to Theravada Meditation, e.g. meditation postures, developing a regular sitting practice, skillfully relating to difficulties and hindrances, etc.
I am experiencing lower back pain around the bottom portion of my spine and am not sure how to correct it. I think possibly it is because I am not sitting up as straight as possible but am not exactly sure. I also sit on a zafu but i'm not even sure if I'm sitting on it correctly. It seems that a lot during my meditation I am constantly fidgeting trying to maintain a correct posture.
Make sure you are sitting on the very front of the zafu. You might try adding another small cushion under the zafu to elevate your spine even more. I have found this this to help me when sitting for longer periods.
Liberation is the inevitable fruit of the path and is bound to blossom forth when there is steady and persistent practice. The only requirements for reaching the final goal are two: to start and to continue. If these requirements are met there is no doubt the goal will be attained. This is the Dhamma, the undeviating law.
You need to experiment to find what works best for you.
Liberation is the inevitable fruit of the path and is bound to blossom forth when there is steady and persistent practice. The only requirements for reaching the final goal are two: to start and to continue. If these requirements are met there is no doubt the goal will be attained. This is the Dhamma, the undeviating law.
The obvious answer is Yoga. But just for a start try cradling your knee with both forearms and slowly pull it in towards your body.
Hip flexibility is the key. You'll be surprised at how locked up your glutes and lower back were after a good stretching session.
Do Yoga starting now. Make it a priority and I'm sure your problems will be a thing of the past.
Happy sitting,
Alan
If you've not done so, I suggest you have your sitting posture checked by an experienced meditator. The proper upright position can feel a bit awkward until one gets used to it, but it really helps to prevent excessive back pain. Doing a bit of hatha yoga, especially focusing on strengthening core muscles and opening the hips can help as well.
My back problems went away when, rather than trying to sit "straight," I made sure I had a gentle curve to my spine in the lower back (curving inward). The "straightness" isn't so much about the spine being straight up and down - but not leaning forward or back. Our spines curve - that's what they do. The stomach is pushed out a little bit. Think about how before we evolved to two legged beings "we" would crawl around on all fours and gravity would pull our middle part downward. (I don't know if that's an anthropological fact, but it makes sense to me.)
I also occasional do this yogic back strengthening/stretching series: cobra, quarter locust (each leg), half locus (be very careful - take a yoga class or read up on how to do this properly before trying it, and be gentle), full locust. After doing this for awhile and sitting regularly I feel like I have a back of steel or something. When I don't do it I definately feel the difference.
meindzai wrote:My back problems went away when, rather than trying to sit "straight," I made sure I had a gentle curve to my spine in the lower back (curving inward). The "straightness" isn't so much about the spine being straight up and down - but not leaning forward or back. Our spines curve - that's what they do.
Quite true. The spine should be upright not straight. Maintaining the natural curves decreases strain on the muscles.
Hi sangyey,
on a zafu it should look a little bit like this
When you sit correctly your pelvis should be tilted slightly to the front, as you can see at the picture. This will bring your spine automatically in a natural upright position. To maintain that position should then be relatively easy.
best wishes, acinteyyo
Thag 1.20. Ajita - I do not fear death; nor do I long for life. I’ll lay down this body, aware and mindful.
Accinteyyo, thanks for providing the picture I found it quite useful to see the side angle. I just finished a short session trying to sit the way that it showed in the picture and it definitely felt more comfortable. Hopefully over time the posture will fall more into place.
