Sitting posture

Suzuki’s first talk in the book describes in detail the sitting posture one takes to practice zazen, or Zen meditation. He describes that the left foot is placed on the right thigh and the right foot is placed on the left thigh. He explains the importance of having the spine straight, and how one should hold one’s diaphragm and chin. He describes the hand position as a “cosmic mudra” where one’s hands form a perfect oval as if holding something precious. He then states that the intention of the posture is not to attain something special. It is the practice itself. He says, when the right posture is taken, the right mind state is present (9). In subsequent talks, Suzuki comes back again and again to the sitting posture. He often refers to sitting as the practice itself. Through many talks, he says, “Just...