I am about to break a cardinal rule of ‘Soto Zen’ (not the first time): However, I hereby officially state that I do not think that the ‘Lotus’ Postures (although ideal if you can) are necessarily the best postures for most beginners … I suggest the Burmese …

… and, as a distant fourth, the ‘Seiza Bench’ (I think many people sit this way because they have not given the other postures a sufficient chance)

… And I view chair sitting as to be done only if truly necessary. We have had some nice chats on our Forum about sitting posture, such as HERE.