Why There are No Hard and Fast Rules for Meditation

FOR A NON-CONFORMIST LIKE ME, THIS ROCKS MY SOCKS OFF

Meditation is a rule-free activity. Sure, there are suggestions for posture, breathing, focus, etc., that are based on my own experiences and on those of other meditation practitioners, but there are no rigid rules.Rigid rules are exclusionary

When we approach meditation with the mindset that there are right and wrong ways to practice, we defeat the purpose of practice altogether. Excessive rules only tend to make some feel excluded and that's a horrible way to teach meditation.

Some time ago I practiced both online and in-person with Soto Zen sangha. If your exposure to Zen is limited, I can tell you it's one of the most ritualistic Buddhist traditions. I knew this going in, but I was soon reminded of it not long after I started attending.

In Zen meditation, there is a strong emphasis on proper forms - sit with your back upright and straight, fold your hands in your lap using a specific mudra or hand position, keep your eyes open, etc.

For years, I experienced periodic lower back stiffne…