QUESTION (resumed) :
Do I have to continue practising in a seated way?
QUESTION (original) :
'Thus what is contradictory is that we say it is necessary to abandon the ego. Yes, but if you sit down on a chair in order not to feel pain and you are doing zazen with your ego on the chair, it will all come down to nothing, because it is necessary to abandon the ego to find your true nature.' I resume this question already asked on the fact of knowing that it is necessary to have a practice in a seated posture or in lotus. As for me, I cannot simply do lotus. I understand well the idea of abandoning the ego, but do we have to mortify ourselves? I notice for example that Japanese are used to staying on their knees all day long. This is a custom practised for generations. It is not the case for the Europeans. And certainly not mine! Then, do I have to continue practising in a seated way? If I do lotus, well... I cannot. So should I continue like that?
ANSWER :
Take the posture gradually.
KOSEN!