If possible, sit with your legs crossed in full-lotus posistion where each foot is placed, sole upward, on the thigh of the opposite leg. This position is difficult to mainitain but by practicing each day you will find that your body slowly adapts and you are able to sit this way for increasingly longer periods. The full-lotus posture gives the best support to the body, but is not essential.

An alternative position is the half-lotus where the left foot is ont floor under the right leg and right foot on top of the left thigh, Or set the opposite way. You can also sit in a simple cross-legged posture with both feet on the floor.

A firm cushion under the buttocks will enable you to keep your back straight and sit longer without getting pins-and-needles in your legs and feet.

If you are unable to sit on the floor in any of these positions, you can meditate in a chair or on a low, salanted bench. The important thing is to be comfortable.

Hold your hands loosely on your lap, abouat two inches below the navel, right hand on top of the left, palms upward, with the fingers aligned. The two hands should be slightly cupped so that the tips of the thumbs meet to form a triangle. Shoulders and arms should be relaxed. Your arms should not be pressed against your body but held a few inches away to allow circulation of air: this helps to prevent sleeponess.

Your back is most important. It should be straiaght, held relaxed and lightly upright, as if the vertebrae were a pile of coins. It might be difficult in the beginning, but in time it will become natural and you will notice the benefits: your energy will flow more freely, you won't feel sluggish, and you will be abe to sit comfortably in meditaiton for increasingly longer periods.

New meditatos often find it easier to concentrate with their eyes fully closed. This is quite acceptable. However, it is recommended that you leave your eyes slightly open to admit a little light, and direct your gaze downwards. Closing your eyes may be an invitation to sluggishness, sleep or dream-like images, all of which hinder meditaion.

Your jaw wshould be relaxed and teeth slightly apart not clenched. Your mouth should also be relaxed, with the lips together lightly.

The tip of your tongue should touch the palate just behind the upper teeth. This reducess the flow of saliva and thus the need to swallow, both of which are hindrances as your concentration increases and you sit in meditation for longer periods.

Your neck should be bent forward a little so that your gaze is directed naturally towards the floor in front of you. If your head is held too high you may have problems with mental wandering and agitation, and if dropped too low you could experience mental heaviness or sleepiness.

This seven-point posture is most conducive to clear, unobstructed contemplation. You might find it difficult in the beginning, but it is a good idea to go through each point at the start of your session and try to maintain the correct posture for a few minutes. With familiarity it will feel more natural and you will begin to notice its benefits.

The practice of hatha yoga or other physical diciplines can be a great help in loosening tight muscles and joints, thus enable you to sit more comfortably. However, if you are unable to adapt to sitting cross-legged you can make a compromise between perfect posture and a relaxed state. In other words, keep your body and mind happy, comfortable and free of tension.