How good is the sleeping posture of the Buddha? Scientific explanation.
Buddhism offers us not only invaluable teachings from the Buddha but also lessons on wholesome and scientific living that the Enlightened One exemplified throughout his life.
From the tranquil sleeping posture of the Buddha, He lays tilted to the right, with his left arm extending along his body and his right arm supporting his head. This is a serene posture, creating peace and stability for the physical body and most importantly, for the awakened mind.
The story of the Buddha’s sleeping posture is one of the well-known stories in Buddhism, with multiple layers of meaning that offer deep insights for contemplation.
The reclining posture of the Buddha
When asked about his sleeping posture, the Buddha explained to his disciples, “I have found a suitable posture for myself, and I intend to maintain it without any intention of changing it. While sleeping, my body rests, but my mind remains awake. However, you cannot lie still in one posture because you are still searching for a suitable posture.”
You say that you cannot lie still in one posture throughout the night, but the problem does not lie in the movement of your body, but in the unsettledness of your mind. If the mind is not settled, the body cannot be calm.
As for me, I have already overcome that. When I go to sleep, my mind is no longer occupied with anything. This body lies down, resembling a corpse. Have you ever seen a moving corpse?”
From a scientific perspective, in this reclining posture, the internal organs are aligned properly, facilitating better blood circulation, and the spine is stretched, reducing the pressure exerted by the weight of the upper body. This demonstrates the importance of the correct sleeping posture for human health.
Ancient natural healers believed that lying tilted to the right and slightly contracting the limbs would be beneficial for the body. Modern science has also proven that in this posture, the muscle groups throughout the body can relax the most, helping you achieve a restful and deep sleep.
Frequently asked questions
The Buddha’s sleeping posture, also known as the ‘Foetus Position’, involves sleeping on your side with your knees drawn up towards your chest and your arms wrapped around yourself. It is believed that this posture helps to improve breathing, reduces back pain, and promotes a sense of comfort and relaxation, leading to a better night’s sleep.
Sleeping in the Buddha’s posture helps to open up the airways by keeping the spine elongated and the neck straight. This position reduces the chances of snoring and sleep apnea, ensuring uninterrupted and improved breathing throughout the night.
The foetal position takes pressure off the spine and realigns the vertebrae, reducing back pain. It also helps to relax the muscles and improve blood flow, providing further relief from back-related issues.
Yes, the Buddha’s sleeping posture is believed to aid digestion. By keeping the body in a curled-up position, it helps to massage the internal organs and improve digestion and waste elimination.
Sleeping in the Buddha’s posture is thought to promote emotional well-being. The sense of comfort and security provided by this position can help reduce stress and anxiety, leading to improved mental clarity and emotional resilience.
While there may not be extensive scientific research specifically on the Buddha’s sleeping posture, there is growing evidence that supports the benefits of side sleeping. Studies suggest that sleeping on your side can improve breathing, reduce back pain, and even have positive impacts on brain health and the removal of waste products from the brain.
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