In addition to the two postures described in the video, one may sit in the “burmese style,” with one foot set in front of the other. The important thing here is to try and get one knee to the ground. This allows that triangulated base which supports the torso for long periods of time.

Kneeling in the “seiza” posture is another alternative, usually with the help of a small seiza bench.

And last, sitting in a chair is absolutely fine. One should try to have their bottom higher than their knees. This allows the “upright” posture of formal Zen meditation.

The real issue is that the full lotus is the most stable, the half slightly less so, burmese less than the others, seiza less than the cross-legged postures, and sitting in a chair least of all.

But all work. And each of us needs to find our right position.

Also in our school we place less emphasis on “correct” breathing. If you achieve any of these postures, you will find yourself settling naturally into the diaphramatic breathing described in the video.

What is important is to sit.

And to sit regularly.