In Suzuki Roshi’s presentation of zazen, posture is not a mere technical detail but the concrete expression of mind itself. The sitting begins with establishing a stable base: on a firm cushion with legs in full lotus, half lotus, Burmese, or another cross‑legged position that can be maintained steadily, or on a chair with feet flat on the floor. The hips are slightly elevated so that the body can rest in a balanced, grounded way, without swaying or leaning. From this base, the spine is kept upright and naturally erect, as if gently drawn upward, with no leaning forward, backward, or to either side. The posture is dignified rather than rigid, stable rather than tense, allowing the body to feel like a mountain—solid at the base, quietly rising upward.

The hands are placed in the cosmic mudra: palms facing upward in the lap, one hand resting on the other, with the thumbs lightly touching to form an oval. This mudra is held close to the lower abdomen, supporting both physical balance and collected attention. The head and neck follow the line of the spine, with the chin slightly tucked in so that the ears align with the shoulders and the nose aligns with the navel. The mouth remains closed, teeth lightly touching, and the tongue resting naturally, while breathing proceeds quietly and naturally through the nose. The eyes are kept slightly or half open, gazing down at a modest distance without focusing sharply, which helps maintain wakefulness and a sense of being present in the environment.

Within this form, the essential point is a union of firmness and relaxation. The center of the body is steady and upright, while the shoulders, arms, and face are allowed to soften and release unnecessary tension. If the posture begins to collapse or stiffen, it is adjusted gently—perhaps by a small rocking of the torso or a subtle change in leg position—without struggle or self‑criticism. The same basic posture is used consistently so that the body gradually learns this way of sitting, and discomfort is met with mindful, modest adjustments rather than forced endurance. In this way, posture itself becomes the practice: a simple, upright sitting that quietly embodies the attitude of beginner’s mind.