A stable Mahamudra session begins with the body arranged in a way that supports both ease and alertness. The classical template is the seven-point posture of Vairochana: legs crossed in lotus, half‑lotus, or any comfortable cross‑legged position; spine naturally straight, as if gently lifted from the crown; shoulders relaxed and open; head slightly inclined forward; tongue resting lightly on the upper palate; and hands in the meditation mudra, right resting on left, thumbs lightly touching at the level of the navel. The eyes are traditionally half‑open, with a soft gaze directed slightly downward along the line of the nose, neither staring nor shut tight. For those who cannot sit on the floor, a straight‑backed chair with feet flat on the ground is acceptable, provided the back remains upright and not slumped. The overall feeling is “still but not stiff”: the body is steady, yet free of unnecessary tension.

Breath in this context functions as a gentle ally rather than an object of control. At the beginning of a session, it is helpful simply to notice natural breathing through the nose, allowing the abdomen to rise and fall without any deliberate deepening or shaping. Some practitioners briefly rest attention on the full cycle of inhalation and exhalation, perhaps even counting a few breaths, as a way of gathering scattered attention. As the mind settles, breath and awareness begin to synchronize, and the breathing is allowed to find its own subtle rhythm. The key is to avoid forcing long or short breaths, holding the breath, or turning breathing into a strenuous exercise; it remains unlabored and spontaneous.

Mental stability is cultivated first through calm abiding and then, when appropriate, through a more direct examination of awareness itself. At the outset, it is beneficial to establish a quiet inner resolve simply to recognize and rest in present awareness, without pressure or self‑criticism. A support such as the breath, a simple visual object, or the felt sense of the whole body can serve as an anchor: attention is placed lightly upon it, like a feather resting on water, neither too tight nor too loose. When distraction arises, thoughts and emotions are acknowledged without judgment and allowed to pass, while attention is gently returned to the chosen support. Over time, as attention becomes more stable, brief periods of “objectless” resting can be introduced, letting the mind rest in open, present‑moment awareness and returning to a support whenever agitation or dullness becomes strong. Regular practice, consistent session lengths, and a gradual extension of sitting time help this stability deepen, and it is traditional to conclude each session by relaxing all effort and dedicating any clarity or calm for the benefit of all beings.