Question
“So what is contradictory is that we say you must let go of the ego. Yes, but if you sit on a chair to avoid pain and do zazen with your ego on the chair, you will get nowhere, since you must let go of the ego to find your true nature.” I am returning to this earlier question about whether one should practice sitting on a chair or in lotus. As for me, I simply cannot do lotus. I understand the idea of letting go of the ego, but must we therefore mortify ourselves? I notice, for example, that Japanese people are accustomed to kneeling all day. This is a habit passed down through generations. It is not the case for Europeans. Certainly not for me! So should I continue sitting on a chair? If I try lotus, well… I can’t. I might as well continue this way, right?
Anonymous
Answer from Master Kosen
Work into the posture gradually.
Kosen