Question
Good evening,
In Master Deshimaru's "The Practice of Zen," I read that to assume the lotus position, one should first place the right foot on the left thigh, then the left foot on the right thigh, over the right leg.
However, the position feels much more "natural" reversed: starting with the left foot on the right thigh, then the right foot on the left thigh...
In the first position, I feel I cannot sit straight and must lean my torso rightward to maintain balance, whereas I sit completely naturally in the second.
Is the difference between the two positions important? Should I "force" myself to get used to the first?
Also, I thought I had read that alternating the positions is good. Is that correct?
Thank you very much for your help.
Best regards,
Martin
Cama
Answer from Master Kosen
It is logical to maintain balance between the two sides of the posture. That is why, for example, we practice the first part of zazen with the left leg on top and, naturally, the second with the right leg on top. After an intensive sesshin, we may feel an imbalance on one side or the other; then we can restore balance by favoring the appropriate side.
Kosen