by Master Hsu Yun

Master Hsu Yun Venerable Master Hsu Yun we believe was born in 1839 in Guanzhou Prefecture and died at Zhen Ru monastery in 1959 at the ripe old age of 120 years. His family name was Xiao. The story of Hsu Yun in many ways is the story of modern Chinese Buddhism. It is, this state of samadhi that we should all be working toward. While it will take time to develop facility in meditation once we have it, we will treasure it, as if a jewel.

The proper flow of Chi
The physical position of the body during meditation is very important and essential to the success of a long term meditation practice. For those who can not sustain a seated cross legged position on a cushion; a chair or stool are a useful alternatives.
The proper flow of Chi (Ki) is essential and dependant on the position and orientation of the back. Wear loose fitting clothing with the legs covered.

Seated meditation with a Cushion
Both knees should be resting on the floor or mat while the meditator is seated on a cushion. This three pointed position provides a very stable platform. Put your right foot on your left thigh and then your left foot on your right thigh. If this it is not possible to get both feet on the thighs (full lotus) then put the left foot on the right thigh and rest the right foot on the mat (half lotus). If it is not possible to put the feet on the thighs then the legs can be folded one in front of the other with the bottom of one foot touching the inside of the opposite thigh (Burmese style). The hips should be pushed forward and the back should be straight and vertical. Keeping the back vertical is essential as the head has considerable weight and if the meditator is leaning to the side or front or back he will develop strain in his back. One way to think of this is as if balancing a ball (the head) on top of a pole (the spine). The chin should be slightly tucked in, extend your neck as though trying to reach the ceiling with the top of your head. The ears should be in line with the shoulders and the nose in line with the navel. The hands rest in your lap with the left hand resting in the palm of the right. The thumbs should be lightly touching. The tongue should be just touching the back of the front teeth. The eyes should be just slightly open and directed to a spot 3 to 5 ft in front of you. They should not be focused on any single spot. (note: You can also look at a statue of Amitabha Buddha.) They should never be closed as this will cause sleepiness or encourage visions. Further if the eyes are open then you will be able to see if your body has shifted position.

Finally take three deep breaths slowly to settle the mind. Breathe in through the nose and breathe out through the mouth. You may find it useful to recite the following silently before the start of meditation "I am formless, I am nameless - who or what is it that sits?" Beginners may find it useful to simply follow their breath and to count either inhalations or exhalations. When counting only go up to 10 and then start over. If visions or sounds appear let them go and do not dwell on them.

The Grandmaster said it is important to have a regular meditation practice. Therefore it is more important to meditate daily than to do a do extended meditation occasionally. The daily practice should also include offerings of incense and chanting. This is a way of paying homage to the unborn, undying…. that higher power that one will come to know first hand through one's meditation. The daily meditation can be whatever you feel you can manage without making yourself "crazy". It can be 10 minutes or 40 whatever seems to fit your own schedule.

Seated Meditation Using a Chair
The chair should not have any arm rests. The meditator should sit on the forward part of the seat cushion so that the back rest of the chair is not utilized. The position of the hands is the same as in the meditation cushion description.

When using a low stool simply cross the legs to allow the back to be perfectly straight.