Sitting with a Straight Spine

Question:

All the Masters say that when we sit, we should keep our spine erect. But I can’t see my spine. How do I figure out if it is straight?

Swamiji says:

You know when your spine is straight when you are paying attention with complete focus.

Swastikasana and Siddhasana

Question:

I thought Siddhasana and Swastikasana were one and the same, but per the link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asana they are different. Can you please let me know if it is Siddhasan or Swastikasan that you recommend as the preferred pose?

Swamiji says:

Some of the asanas in this link have different names from those of the tradition that I studied. According to this link, the Svastik and Siddha asanas differ only in so far as which leg is placed on top. We never made such a distinction, but we always placed the right leg on top, so that would be the Siddhasana according to this nomenclature. Also the poses depicted here for the Virasana and Vajrasana are different from what is described in the Devi Gita.

Proper Asana

Question:

Would you discuss with us, your online devotees, the proper way to sit in meditation, in puja, etc.. Also please discuss the asanas you favor for both brief and longer meditations. Also, would you address the requirements in your method for relative physical stillness? Is that an aspect that is important, or does one let the focus naturally draw one into the increasing stillness?

Swamiji says:

Our tradition emphasizes that every movement of the body is a reflection of the movement of the mind. Therefore, in order to hold the mind still, we must hold the body still. We teach the swastik asana as the asana of our preference. There are two choices: the padma or the swastik. Choose one, and expand the duration of your sitting peacefully.

Sadhana on a Bed

Question:

My question is for someone who is ill: do you feel it is okay to do chanting, propped up at an angle in bed?

Swamiji says:

Being propped up in bed is an excellent place and position in which to recite Chandi. She understands our limitations, and I’m sure She appreciates our every effort to overcome those limitations.

Different Kinds of Asanas

Question:

Verse 138 of the Guru Gita refers to different types of asanas and their effects. Verse 139 states the kusha and the durva mat should be covered by a white blanket. Is it ok to just sit on a kusha grass mat, or do we need to put a white blanket on the grass? Is this only done while doing an ordinary puja, or only for Guru Gita recitation? What is the relevance of a sheepskin used in the Devi Mandir tradition?

Swamiji says:

The sheepskin is white wool. It is ok to sit on the kusha asana, but it will quickly become uncomfortable. You can put a blanket under it, or a different asana on top.

Question:

In your experience, is there a most superior type of asana (seat, rug, or skin) such as tiger skin, lion skin, deer skin, sheep skin, etc. or are certain types more appropriate for certain types of sadhanas or tapas? Is there a best color for these skins as well? Does the skin have to be new and unused to be good and appropriate, or will it become purified and charged over time? Is there a ritual to cleanse and charge it initially?

Swamiji says:

In the Guru Gita there are different types of asanas listed for different types of sadhana. All siddhis can be attained using a white woolen blanket. The use of other skins, especially endangered species, comes from a different time, and a different circumstance. A skin previously used for another purpose can become purified by the intention and the intense and prolonged sadhana of an experienced sadhu. The mantras for purification are included in the Advanced Shiva Puja Book and Advanced Shiva Puja iPad App; in the mantra “asanasya mantrasya…”