Sitting meditation (jwaseon)
You sit with your legs folded, settle your posture, and stay that way for a stretch of time. At a temple it is done in a meditation hall or at one side of the main hall, and some templestay programmes include it. How long one sitting runs differs from place to place, and many keep it short for first-timers. Going to the toilet beforehand, and not drinking much water first, is the custom there.
- Fold the cushion in half, or put its thicker side under you, and sit down.
- Fold your legs. Resting only one foot on the opposite thigh is also used.
- Straighten your back and let your shoulders drop. Tuck your chin slightly.
- Rest both hands in front of your belly, one on the other, thumb tips lightly touching.
- Half-close your eyes and rest your gaze on the floor a step or two ahead. Stay there until the wooden clapper sounds.
If your legs go numb, shift or straighten them. If your knees are not up to it, some places let you take the same posture on a chair, so say so before the sitting starts.