Do I have to sit in lotus position while meditating?

It is not necessary to sit in the lotus position to meditate. The important thing to remember when you are meditating is to keep your spine erect and straight. It is also important to be in a position that is comfortable for you and that you can maintain for the duration of the meditation session. This could mean that you meditate while sitting in a chair, kneeling or doing other sitting postures such as the burmese pose.  Laying down is also a method, however, many people have a tendency to fall asleep while doing this pose.

Remember, meditation is defined as focus to the extent that all other stimuli diminish from your perception. This means that you could be meditating while walking or doing some other form of exercise.  Dynamic qigong or tai chi are supreme examples of meditating while in motion. 

Although the lotus posture is the most stable sitting position, it is also the most challenging. If you are having a difficult time getting into this position or maintaining this position, you may want to consider asking yourself some questions: 

1. Are there more important goals to focus on then getting into the lotus position?
2. Can you find another position that is more comfortable for you such as kneeling or sitting in a chair?