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1. There are two lotus positions, the full lotus and the half lotus.
For the full lotus position, sit up straight and place the right foot on the left thigh and then the left foot on the right thigh so that the legs cross.
To sit in the half lotus position, place the right ankle on the left thigh. The two knees should be touching the floor for maximum stability.
2. Straighten the back and sit with the head and neck in line. When sitting straight, the neck muscles relax to provide maximum comfort and strength for proper breathing.
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3. Place the right hand on the left leg in front of you and the left hand on the palm of the right hand. Then move the tips of the two thumbs together and maintain this.
4. If, after an extended period of meditation, you feel tired or drowsy, it is best to walk around the immediate area, be it the meditation hall or the yard; but be sure not to disturb anyone else. This is a form of "walking meditation."
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1. Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of the mouth. By doing this, your mouth automatically closes and your back teeth naturally come together.
2. Close your eyes a bit, but make sure that they are neither too wide open nor completely closed. Let your eyes rest on a spot on the floor about a meter or so in front of you. The secret to successful meditation is making sure that your eyes never close.
3. Once you feel comfortable, begin to control your breath. Breathe deeply but quietly. Problems that arise while meditating - a slight fever, stiffness, a feeling of heaviness, or tension -are all the result of improper breathing. To control the mind, count your breaths to achieve concentration.
4. Those who not yet received a hwadu should spend their time observing their breath. Counting them is one method. Breathe in slowly and then give a shorter exhale and count "one". Repeat this up to "ten". Then begin again starting at "one."
Do not pay attention to the thoughtsthat continue to arise in your mind. Simply continue to concentrate on breathing and counting.
5. A monk with a bamboo clapper (K: Jookbi) patrols the meditation room to make sure that no one dozes off or slumps out of position. If they do, he will tap them on the shoulder with the clapper to snap them awake again. This tap also helps to relax the shoulder muscles. Once tapped, a meditator should place palms together, bow from the waist in gratitude, and return to concentration.
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