Forums IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ Spring Forest Qigong sitting meditation

I have a question concerning the semi lotus position, or half lotus. I have learned , in the past from a few different Chinese teachers to always have the left foot in front , if the legs are crossed, or to have the left foot on top in a semi lotus. A friend of mine, coming from being a practioner of yoga for a long time, says I should be balancing, having both feet on top for the same amount of time. The left foot on top for awhile, then the right foot on top. What is the official SFQ answer on this? Thanks, gallen

Aloha All,

The following is Master Lin's response to the lotus sitting question. Much love, Shawn

.........
It does not matter which leg is in front of the other when a person sits in a
semi lotus position. For full lotus, the yoga person is right. Both legs should be in a
balance. The purpose of doing lotus sitting however, is not mainly to help the balance of
the body with its left or right legs, but to help the body stay in deep meditation and in the emptiness as long as possible. If a person switches legs often, he won't get into a deep
meditation. For a beginner, put the right leg on the top first to help the body bring the mind back to the body. Putting the left leg on the top can help to put the body into deep
meditation and stay in the emptiness longer. It was told that Buddha, in his late practice
and teaching, always put his left leg on top of the right. Buddha was a good yoga master
too.

I hope this can help you.
Chunyi
.........

Shawn,
Thankyou for forwarding that question , and posting the results. As always, Master Lin adds a bit more information than expected, that helps gain new perspective. Please thank him, if the opportunity arises. I apologize for the delay in reponding to this post.