Tension&pain

Thanks for hosting me. I describe my situation.
My back is messed up to some extent, and despite having been in the meditation field for five/six years (zen), i didn't progress in any way in concentration and wisdom. Basically i can't concentrate because the tension and, if it's there, the pain carry me away. The problem lies in a non-straight spine, and therefore muscle fatigue when i assume an upright sitting position for more than 10-15 minutes. I also get frustrated about it and that doesn't help with staying with the object (breath or a bowl usually). Still i'm determined to practice samatha-vipassana and progress in the path of insight, now more than ever.

My plan would be forgetting about the sitting posture, take a recline chair and go all out with concentration practice. The object would be either anapanasati or staring at a bowl scotched on the wall. It would be easier just to do anapanasati lying on a carpet with a cushion under the head, also because i already have the carpet, but in that way i tend to get drowsy faster. Another thing i considered is using the back feelings as the object, while in sitting position. Still another body-scan. Also noting but whilst in tension or fatigue, i get carried away too easily.

What do you think? any idea?

I've used my bedroom wall to support my back for years, and in fact it has helped me progress in the path of insight). While the traditional sitting posture has its benefits, clinging to it might create problems for some. Your plan sounds good.

Also, drowsiness can be caused by many things: too relaxed, too much effort, not enough sleep, wanting to feel sedated, etc. I'd go for 10-15 minutes of shamatha and then switch to vipassana. One can even practice both a the same time with the "noting" technique. The noting itself is the anchor that calms the emotional waves, and at the same time you contemplate the 3 characteristics.

"One can even practice both a the same time with the "noting" technique. The noting itself is the anchor that calms the emotional waves, and at the same time you contemplate the 3 characteristics."

Consider my skill in concentration to be slightly below that of an average person, would you still confirm the quote above?

thx

Hi Giulio,

I get sharp spasms in my upper back within 20 minutes of sitting even with good posture and physical therapy, so I gave up on meditation on a cushion. I now practice mostly siting or reclining in a comfortable chair, or on a bed. Occasionally, I'll walk.

As far as concentration skill goes, I remember reading something Kenneth wrote on this site (but don't remember where now). He basically said that if you have enough concentration to count 3x10 breaths, then you have enough concentration to note and do vipassana.

I'm not sure where I fall on the spectrum of "average", but I've personally found that sometimes I need a few minutes of counting my breath before starting to note. But, I also have had lots of times where I didn't need to do any shamatha at all to settle down but was able to note consistently from the start.

Yes. You can even use your distraction to your advantage: distract yourself with actual phenomena that happens right here, right now. Mumuwu in another thread (Witnessing) said something very true and useful: "You may become distracted from the fact you are aware. Just remember that you were aware of the distraction while it was occurring. There's no need to reconfirm."

Actually, "distraction" is just a label.

Hi Guilio!
My meditation practice took a leap forward when I stopped trying to sit in "the perfect posture" and the worst pains went away.
Today mindfulness practice is actually best when I sit in a recliner and can relax the body fully.
I still find that concentration practice i better in a "formal" position (kneeling).
For this you could try to sit with as straight back and head as possible, as long as you don't get pains.

But the added time you can sit is much more important than the posture.
Just make sure you dont fall asleeep if the chair is too comfy

More than enough for me. I'll stick to noting while reclining or lying.

thx!!!! se you in a while