Choosing a Zafu Meditation Cushion

Finding your ideal meditation cushion will help you experience a more comfortable, longer and deeper meditation practice. The ideal cushion, pillow, bench or combination of cushions will be different to each individual but once found will allow you to enhance and sustain your meditation practice. The proper cushion will put you in the optimal relaxed but alert position.

Meditation Posture

Your meditation posture will determine the type of cushion you require. Typical meditation postures are the lotus, half-lotus, kneeling, chair sitting, and lying down postures. Which posture you use is determined by flexibility and experience.

Proper Alignment

The key to successful meditation is your body alignment and maintaining an “S” curve in your spine. The proper alignment would have your thighs tilted down from your waist, your spine erect with the lower back curved in, the upper back curved out slightly, the neck slightly curved in, and your head level. If done properly this alignment will naturally support your body and provide comfort to allow for extended periods of meditation.

Find Your Comfort

No matter which meditation posture you use you must have the proper support cushions to provide you the comfort needed so that you can focus on the mind and not physical discomfort.

Cushions

Meditation cushions are made with different materials and come in a large variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Take the time to review each cushion type and decide which is right for you.
Cushion Filling Types

Kapok

Kapok is an all-natural fiber harvested from the seedpods of the kapok tree a large, fast growing tropical tree native to tropical America, Africa and the East Indies. When stuffed into a mediation cushion it is dense and firm but also light in weight and being a good insulator it will warm with your body heat. It has the ability to conform to the body but will remain fluffy even after years of use.

Buckwheat Hulls

Buckwheat Hulls are the husk of the buckwheat grain and are small, dark, and shaped like a saucer. When stuffed in a cushion the buckwheat hulls behave similar to a pile of sand, they conform very easily to the shape of the body. A zafu stuffed with buckwheat hulls would weigh more than a Kapok stuffed zafu. For many the preferred zafu is stuffed with buckwheat hulls.

Cotton Batting

Cotton batting is a thick padding made from cotton fibers. This material is most often used to stuff zabutons.

Types of Cushions

The Traditional Round Zafu

The traditional zafu is a plump, round, cushion stuffed with kapok and covered with in pleated black fabric. The typical sitting posture for a zafu is to sit on the front edge of the cushion with a slight forward tilt and your knees resting on the ground. This comfortable, stable position will correctly align your spine and provide you the ability to sit for long meditations. They can be found in several sizes but the size you need is dependent on the height of the person not the weight of a person, a taller person simply requires a larger zafu to provide the necessary height to cross their legs. See our zafu reviews

Crescent Shaped Zafu

The crescent shaped zafu also known as the moon shape has become increasingly more popular in recent years. While the construction is similar to the traditional round zafu the cushion is cut and sewn in the crescent shape. The crescent shape helps to quickly establish the correct sitting angle while the edges of the crescent help support the upper thighs. See our cushions reviews

The Zabuton

The zabuton is a large flat cushion, typically filled with cotton batting that is placed under a zafu. This thick padded cushion provides is a soft resting place for you knees and ankles while also providing you with insulation from a cold floor. You will often find zafus and zabuton sold as a set. See our zabuton reviews

The Gomden

A Gomden is a thick rectangular block of foam rubber covered in a heavy weight fabric. These cushion are used by people who have difficulty meditating cross-legged on the floor. Like a zafu the Gomden is often place on a zabuton for meditating.

The Sangha

The sangha cushion is typically a cube shaped cushion stuffed with buckwheat hulls. Those meditating in the seiza posture, or kneeling posture use this cushion. The sangha is designed to support the body weight to keep it off the ankles and feet while kneeling. Like all other cushions it is recommended that you place this cushion on a zabuton before meditating in the seiza posture.

Support Cushions

Support cushions are used to provide additional height or support and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. While traditionally stuffed with kapok or buckwheat you can find them stuffed with other materials such as cotton batting or foam rubber. See our support cushion reviews

Lying Mats

If you use the lying posture for meditation it is recommended you use a cotton yoga mat to provide you with comfort. Support cushions can be placed under your neck, back, knees or other areas to provide additional support and comfort.

Meditation Benches

Meditation benches allow you to sit comfortably upright while maintaining a straight spine and good posture. They are typically made of high quality woods such as oak or maple and come in a variety of shape and sizes. It is typical to place a cushion on the bench for comfort. See our bench reviews

Summary

Choosing your ideal meditation cushion will mean the difference between a painful, frustrating meditation or a comfortable relaxed fulfilling meditation session. The proper choice of cushion can take time and thought but with the right information and reviews you can select the cushion that is perfect for your body type and meditation posture