Meditation bench
A meditation bench (also called a meditation bench or meditation stool ) supports the meditator in taking an upright and relaxed sitting position during meditation .
Usually the bench is made of wood. The height is between 15 cm and 25 cm, depending on the needs of the person, and the seat is dimensioned so that the meditator can comfortably find space.
The decisive factor for a meditation bench is the 2-3 cm sloping seat surface. This tilts the pelvis slightly forward, which supports a perpendicular alignment of the spine. The abdomen remains relaxed and the breath can flow freely.
In practice, the person kneels on a soft surface and then places the bench between the buttocks and lower legs.
There are traditionally two types of meditation benches. If the legs of the bench are attached to the outer edge of the seat, the lower legs of the person lie between the legs of the bench. If, on the other hand, the meditation bench is built in such a way that its legs are centered at a distance of about 15 cm, the meditator leads his lower legs past the outside. This type of sitting posture can also be used when a meditation cushion is used for meditation.
In addition to the benches with firmly glued legs, there are also folding benches where the legs can be folded in using hinges. Folding benches are suitable for traveling because they can be stowed away to save space.
Classically, the meditator sits in the lotus seat or half lotus seat, where he can support his buttocks with a pillow . In cultures where this sitting posture is common, it is a very comfortable and stable form of sitting (for example in India, Japan, Tibet). For many Westerners, however, it is impossible to maintain this sitting posture for long periods of time because the legs are not flexible enough. In addition, especially with a full lotus seat, the inexperienced person runs the risk of twisting the knee joints and injuring them.
Meditation benches or meditation cushions are a good alternative here so that you can concentrate fully on meditation in a relaxed sitting position. Relaxed means that the upright spine supports the body and the muscles only balance this upright position. On the other hand, you let go of any additional tension. An indication of unnecessary tension is when one feels muscle pain in certain parts of the body after meditation (for example in the shoulders). Not every muscle tension is perceptible and can be arbitrarily influenced.
For some, however, this form of sitting also causes problems, mainly because the ankles are very stretched. A rolled up blanket that is placed under the ankles can provide support here.