Siska, pleased to meet you. I've been away from this forum for a
long time, and it's very nice to have your reply, thank you!
I began with Iyengar-influenced Hatha yoga about 1972, and had
stayed with that for years before meeting my Shih-fu in Ch'an
practice, Sheng Yen. He taught us physical yoga as well as a
self-massage technique. I have continued with Sheng Yen's
practices, as well as all the other Yoga I have ever learned, as
well as T'ai Chi Chuan. Sheng Yen's way of using physical exercise
and massage, as well as Yoga with each and every sitting period is
unique in my experience of teachers in the USA. Of course, we lost
Sheng Yen a couple of years ago. He has a number of full successors
throughout the world, as well as a cadre of dharma-teachers, who,
although they have not received transmission, are nonetheless
important teachers of his teachings, general Buddhism, and the
Master's exercises, yoga, and sitting practices.
For Sheng Yen, and all his students who adopt his ways, prostrations
are an important practice. They are carried out very slowly, maybe
a hundred at a time. Great for the spine, muscles, breathing-
diaphragm, and legs. Of course, the blood going to the head and
then draining as we stand again gives an influence, too. Over days
and weeks and years, it is a wonderful practice with daily sitting.
Fast walking and slow walking are other practices. Personally, I
also enjoy running and find it is a great benefit to the body and
spirit. It especially keeps the breathing in good shape, and helps
to allow the belly to relax completely in sitting meditation. This
keeps the breathing very, very, smooth, or even imperceptible, so
that the body can seem to disappear entirely when practicing. This
in itself is not an end to be sought, but it is a condition that
enables meditation to become deep, steady, and long. And it is good
for health, which in turn is good for meditation.
Wishing you strong practice!
--Joe
> I came across yin yoga not very long ago and I also found it very close and
> quite complementary to my meditation practice.
>
> Do you practise other yoga styles? [snip]
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