Why Tighter Lotus Position Leads to Better Meditation

Generally, during meditation, the effect of attaining meditative absorption (定) is better with the full lotus position (双盘) than with the half lotus position (单盘), better with the half lotus position than with the simple cross-legged position (散盘), and better with the simple cross-legged position than with sitting with legs extended. This is because when the legs are folded, the qi and blood (气血) in the legs largely gather in the upper body. When qi and blood are concentrated, the energy becomes focused, allowing it to circulate more smoothly and vigorously. This facilitates the unblocking of the meridians (经脉) throughout the body, making it easier to adjust the body properly. And when the body is well-adjusted, the mind becomes serene and joyful, concentration improves, and meditative absorption is attained more quickly and deeply. Sitting with legs extended, however, does not easily yield such effects. With legs outstretched, a portion of qi and blood is distributed to the legs, dispersing the force of its circulation. The diminished intensity makes it harder to open the meridians, resulting in an insufficiently adjusted body. Consequently, the mind naturally becomes less tranquil.

So, does folding the legs mean there is no qi and blood circulation in the legs, leading to paralysis? Of course not. When the legs are folded, a portion of qi and blood still circulates in the legs to ensure their normal function. Moreover, while qi and blood circulate predominantly in the upper body, some also flows to the legs. The vigorous force of this circulation easily clears the meridians in the legs, expels leg ailments, and allows meditative absorption to be attained very quickly and deeply.