Swaying in meditation

[dakini_boi]

Anyone know, what is the significance (if any) of swaying in meditation? Particularly in circles or figure-8 pattern.

[Adamantine]

Time to take a break and go dancing?

[gregkavarnos]

Wind imbalances. And I don't mean beans either (though, of course, diet does play a role).

[Konchog1]

I don't know. I sway during Puja myself.

[catmoon]

Although this is widely viewed as a flaw in mindfulness, I've seen the Dalai Lama do it. Also Jews praying at the Wailing Wall, come to think of it.

[kirtu]

I don't know. I sway during Puja myself.

That's different.

During meditation itself you should never sway. During puja when you are more relaxed and you mind might not be completely united with mantra (in you are doing mantra recitation for example) then it's fine. You are kind of dancing.

Kirt

[gregkavarnos]

During meditation itself you should never sway. During puja when you are more relaxed and you mind might not be completely united with mantra (in you are doing mantra recitation for example) then it's fine. You are kind of dancing.

I find it happens when I am absorbed totally in the mantra.

[kirtu]

During meditation itself you should never sway. During puja when you are more relaxed and you mind might not be completely united with mantra (in you are doing mantra recitation for example) then it's fine. You are kind of dancing.

I find it happens when I am absorbed totally in the mantra.

Really? Maybe you're not as absorbed as you think. Then again there might be two types of people, swayers and non-swayers ....

Kirt

[zerwe]

Helps to ease back pain during long sessions.
Shaun

[dakini_boi]

I should clarify, it happens when doing mantra recitation, not silent meditation such as shamatha.

[catmoon]

I should clarify, it happens when doing mantra recitation, not silent meditation such as shamatha.

Gee now that u mention it.... I've sometimes caught myself starting to sway during mantra practice myself. But I just figured it was something to correct, just as if I was doing meditation. You think it's important, maybe?

[Josef]

Mantra is related to movement in general so I wouldnt worry about it too much.
HHDL is a big swayer during pujas etc.

[gregkavarnos]

Really? Maybe you're not as absorbed as you think. Then again there might be two types of people, swayers and non-swayers ...

Well if I think I am absorbed then I am definitely not absorbed... As for the swayer/non-swayer thing: I tend to be a very mobile person in general, I'm a foot tapper and tend to toss around when in bed too, so maybe you are onto something there.

[Shemmy]

For me too, it happens when I become absorbed in mantra or shamatha, or at least unabsorbed enough to notice it's happening. In my own case, there's no way to control it unless I begin focusing almost entirely on preventing my body from being blown back and forth by a kind of invisible breeze. It is quite different from say some kind of nervous toe tapping where you can see you are unconciously doing the acivity, to me this feels like some kind of gentle force that is doing it. It's a bit weird but I have had it for years so I'm used to it. No one has ever commented on it to me either, such as meditation instructors or lamas, so I have assumed its not particularly important.

[nirmal]

Just tell your mind(or yourself) that you don't want to sway during meditation.Or just break the rhythm The swaying will stop.

[maybay]

just look at the swaying

[Mojo]

There have been a few times while following my breath where I had actually been fairly consistent at staying with my breath and in the tranquility of it, noticed the very strong sensation of swaying, though I'm guessing if it is anything beyong sensation, that it wouldn't be noticed by casual observer.

[Uniltiranyu]

A sense of swaying can be a good thing. If you look like you are sitting on an out of control bullet train when you meditate, then that might be a bit odd. But the swaying is okay, especially if, when you are just sitting there, you can feel it. Go online and look for pictures of the Damaru - The Drum of Immortality, a slow, steady flip-flop marking an eternal rhythm. Then, imagine your hand making that movement without the drum - turning a wheel, over and over. The subtle swaying is a topic of meditation in itself, a pleasant feeling that fosters mindfulness and calm, and the development of Jhana. In the Bible, this movement is the wandering of Cain - invisible, and ever-wandering, back and forth.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damaru