In this episode, Ethan links a crucial set of instructions from mindfulness meditation teachers of the past regarding how we carry our posture to what it means to show up in this world at a time of chaos. He discusses the instructions on mindfulness meditation from the “warrior” tradition of enlightened society, as well as decoding the qualities of the instruction to maintain a “strong back, and a soft front.”
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Episode Notes:
The three aspects of “strong back” are 1) clarity of view, 2) consistency and 3) courage.
The three aspects of “soft front” are 1) inclusiveness, 2) tenderness (sensitivity) and 3) compassion.
The “Seven Points of Vairocana” posture from Kamalashila and other sources are listed here.
The relationship between posture, meditation practice, and pride in one’s basic goodness and humanity from Chogyam Trungpa:
“A great deal of chaos in the world occurs because people don’t appreciate themselves….
In the practice of meditation, an upright posture is extremely important. Having an upright back is not an artificial posture….So when you sit erect, you are proclaiming to yourself and to the rest of the world that you are going to be a warrior, a fully human being….
…Then, because your back is upright, you feel no trace of shyness or embarrassment, so you do not hold your head down. You are not bending to anything…
In your daily life, you should also be aware of your posture, your head and shoulders, how you walk, and how you look at people. Even when you are not meditating, you can maintain a dignified state of existence. You can transcend your embarrassment and take pride in being a human being. Such pride is acceptable and good.”
Excerpt from Chapter 2 of Shambhala: The Sacred Path of The Warrior by Chogyam Trungpa
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