The Four Postures Meditation (Iriyapatha Bawana) as Taught by the Buddha
There are four types of Posture meditation ( Iriyapatha Bhavana ) , which are Sitting ( nisinna ), Standing ( ṭhita ), Walking ( gacchanta ), and Lying ( sayāna ). Posture meditation techniques are commonly practiced to develop Samdhi or stillness. However, the practice of Iriyapatha taught by the Buddha aims to develop insights to his profound Dhamma. What is commonly practiced today is simply walking and to switch posture between sitting down, standing or lying positions maintaining concentration and mindfulness in whatever body posture or movement you choose to contemplate on. We need to know well how Iriypatha meditation can be practiced for e.g. walking ( sakman ) meditation. It is to be noted that Irriyapatha meditation was not invented by the Tathagatha but was practiced even before the Buddha's time by the practitioners or yogis who sought liberation. However, the common understanding is that it is solely a Buddhist practice wher...