“Sit Properly” - an instruction of Śrīla Prabhupāda
An exploration of the instruction "Sit properly," particularly in the context of chanting japa, reveals a deep and multi-layered instruction that extends far beyond mere physical posture. This seemingly simple command, frequently uttered by Śrīla Prabhupāda, serves as a foundational principle for spiritual practice, encompassing the physical, mental, and deeply metaphorical aspects of a devotee's life. It is a call to order that begins with the body to steady the mind, fosters an attitude of respect and attention, and ultimately guides the soul to be correctly situated in its eternal service.
The Foundation of Steadiness: Physical Posture
The journey of yoga and spiritual discipline begins with a firm foundation, and that foundation is the ability to sit properly. Yogic practices are described not as ends in themselves, but as "means to the end of attaining steadiness". The initial and essential step is that "First one must be able to sit properly, and then the mind and attention will become steady enough for practicing yoga". This physical stability is directly linked to the control of internal energies; in the mystic yoga process, one must first sit properly to control the different airs within the body. Once breathing is controlled, the mind, which is dependent on these bodily airs, can be fixed in higher consciousness.
This principle is applied directly to the practice of chanting japa. Specific instructions are given: "While chanting japa, you should sit with your back erect and your legs crossed and covered, not spread out". It is further recommended to "Sit properly on an āsana". The importance of this physical discipline is underscored by numerous personal accounts of Śrīla Prabhupāda directly correcting his disciples. On one occasion, seeing a devotee sitting with his knees up, Prabhupāda spoke sharply, “Sit properly!”. In another instance, an older guest with back problems was sitting with her legs outstretched when Prabhupāda looked at her and said, "Sit properly," causing her legs to "almost like a machine, shot backwards and she assumed a lotus like position". This firm yet compassionate correction highlights that proper posture is not an arbitrary rule but a necessary component for effective practice, as yoga śāstras proclaim that "sitting straight facilitates concentration".
The Attitude of Attention and Respect
Beyond the mechanics of posture, "Sit properly" is a command to cultivate the correct internal attitude of attentiveness and reverence. The process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is basically one of hearing, and to hear properly, one must first be situated properly. As Prabhupāda explains, "You haven’t got to do anything; simply come here and sit properly and hear about Kṛṣṇa". This act of sitting properly like a "gentleman" is the entry point into a cultured, spiritual life. It is a prerequisite for receiving the transcendental message that purifies the heart.
This instruction also carries a strong sense of etiquette and respect, particularly in the presence of the Deity. Prabhupāda would instruct devotees, “Nobody should sit with their backs to God. You can sit face to face. Yes, this is the etiquette". A disciple appreciated this, noting that Prabhupāda was not interested in attention for himself, but was ensuring that the Deities were not disrespected. The command, therefore, is an appeal to "give full attention," to be present and aware of one's actions and surroundings. It is a call to move beyond mechanical ritual and engage the senses and the mind in a focused and respectful manner. This is crucial for chanting, where one must "pronounce the maha-mantra very properly" with the engagement of the lips and tongue, not just producing a mechanical sound.
The Metaphor for Life: Being Properly Situated
The deepst dimension of "Sit properly" is its application as a metaphor for one's entire spiritual life. For one disciple, this was the only personal instruction he ever received, and he understood it in its "broadest sense: not only to sit properly in the temple but also to be always properly situated in devotional service". This broader sense means to be on the sat-patha, the permanent path toward the goal of life, and to abandon the asat-patha, the temporary pursuits of the material world. Prabhupāda directly connects the instruction to this choice, saying, "[aside:] You sit properly, it is not... Asat-patha and sat-patha".
In this light, "seated means with Kṛṣṇa and proper means purity". To "sit properly" is to be straight in all dealings, to abandon the duplicity that is "rotten" and a "taboo". It is a constant reminder of the goal, a "wake-up punch" that bursts the "dreamy bubble" of material illusion. This single phrase becomes a guiding principle for every action, inspiring devotees to do everything correctly in service to the Lord, from making a perfectly round capātī to building a satsaṅga bhavan where more people can "sit properly to hear Kṛṣṇa’s original message".
The enduring legacy of this instruction is evident in the fond and reverent memories of Prabhupāda's disciples. Many recall the famous japa tape where his voice is heard saying the words, and they express a longing for that firm guidance: "Please, Śrīla Prabhupāda, always chastise us with your breathtaking 'Sit properly!' on your japa tape; we miss it so much!". It was an instruction delivered with both seriousness and compassion, a reminder that even when they failed to sit properly, the spiritual master's mercy was delivered anyway.
In conclusion, the directive to "Sit properly" is far more than a simple command regarding physical posture. It is a comprehensive instruction for spiritual advancement. It begins with the body, establishing the steadiness required for mental control. It cultivates an attitude of focused attention and deep respect essential for hearing and chanting. Ultimately, it serves as a powerful metaphor for one's entire existence, a constant and loving reminder to remain properly situated on the path of pure devotional service, firmly fixed on the ultimate goal of life.