Do you need to meditate sitting?

[Cocolove]

I've had knee problems for as long as I can remember. For the past few months I've been trying to find a sitting position that doesn't hurt my knees. I have been completely unsuccessful, and am worried I might be damaging my knees long term. They continue to hurt even after I meditate. Also I stretch daily, and my hips are not tight (anymore) but my knees still hurt.

Is sitting meditation necessarily better than standing or sitting in a chair? I know Leo said something about it in one video but it wasn't very conclusive. Please help.

I would like to know how to sit without damaging my knees, or know if it is okay/just as effective to not sit.

[SoonHei]

No. Sitting is not required... Or sitting cross legged.... You can sit on the chair, or sit on the floor in a different position other than cross legged

 

The position of your sit/stand has nothing to do with the goal of meditation

 

Just be in comfortable position. That's the main thing.

[Elysian]

As long as you can meditate sitting in a chair without starting to fall asleep there's no difference. I also can't sit cross legged for long due to health issues, and I use a chair. It took some time but I've gotten to the point where I can use a chair and not simply dose off.

I was able to achieve Sarvitarka Samadhi sitting in a chair after spending a few days sitting for several hours a day each, and did so accidentally not even currently having the language to describe what it is I did. I believe I was about to enter Nirvikalpa Samadhi at the end when the dropping of ego into the void caused a knee jerk reaction of fear. This pulled me out of Samadhi, but in the short time right there at the edge, I also had a spontaneous full Kundalini awakening.

So it matters not if you sit in a chair or on the ground, saying otherwise is simply dogma. Sitting cross legged just makes it easier to stay awake.

[arabellageorge]

Well, because the mind tends to be more alert and attentive when we're seated and upright, most teachers agree that sitting to meditate is best whenever possible. However, if you're wondering whether you can meditate lying down, the answer is yes.

Posture is essential to meditation, but you can take a flexible approach to it. Start your practice while in a position that comes naturally to you. It's important to start in a comfortable place, so that you can gently shift your body into the correct positioning throughout your practice.

[Carl-Richard]

Please make a new thread instead of reviving an old one.