I'm a middle-aged woman and a disabled veteran who suffered a back injury while on active military duty in 2006. Since this is a chronic and permanent condition, my pain management doc suggested both gentle yoga and Zen meditation. I'm a non-Buddhist but am still empowered by Zen beliefs and practices. I sit zazen and practice yoga stretching exercizes twice daily. Meditation has helped me feel very well and has enabled me to stay free of narcotic medication.  I'm not a fan of back surgery, either. My husband of 18 years is a physician who doesn't practice Zen but fully endorses my participation.

 

Since I'm new to the forum, I have a basic question: For those of you who sit zazen, do you believe that sitting upright for 30-45 minutes is the only way to use these techniques? I have known Zen "purists" who say that this posture is absolutely essential, and others say that if one has to lie down, then do so. I can sit upright zazen for only 10-15 minutes with my back propped against the wall, and then I have to switch postures. Am I using meditation to the fullest?

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas!

 

Best,

Vienna

 

I cannot help with Zazen as I am self taught with several blended styles (mostly similar to transcendental meditation), but I can tell you that I have achieved very solid results without conforming to any purist way of meditating. I've found that the different styles can guide you, but you should find or create the style that works best for you.

 

I have meditated very well laying down before in the daytime when i'm not tired, but I choose not to do that regularly because I meditate at night when my melatonin levels are higher and it would make me sleepy.

 

My suggestion would be to try and meditate at a time when there is no chance of being tired, that way you can get into a comfortable position and still maintain your focus and awareness on meditation (while laying down for example)

 

Good luck!