What is a zafu cushion?
A zafu is a round cushion with gathered sides. The curved edges allow your legs to drop off the edges at the hip joints so that your knees are lower than your hips. When your knees are lower than your hips, it’s easier for your spine to maintain its natural curves.
How do I choose a zafu cushion?
Whether you choose the Zafu or Zen is a matter of personal preference. Sitting on the wide side of the Zen Pillow will support the tops of your thighs more than the Zafu will. Some people prefer more thigh support, while others prefer that their upper thighs extend off the edge of their cushion.
What size zafu should I get?
While our regular 8” cushion is the most popular, it is always best to try different heights. Our 9” zafu is often better for tall people with long legs, less flexibility or leg injuries. For those who are comfortable sitting cross-legged and who are not exceptionally tall, the 7” zafu may be ideal.
Do you need a zabuton with a zafu?
When you sit, especially for longer periods, the bones in your feet and ankles can grind into a hard floor. Placing a zabuton underneath your zafu eliminates this problem. It also adds an extra layer of insulation if you’re sitting in a cool room.
What is inside a ZAFU?
They are typically filled with either kapok (a fluffy plant fibre, similar to Typha) or buckwheat hulls. Zen Buddhist practitioners traditionally sit on a zafu when engaged in sitting meditation. The cushion raises the hips, making the entire range of cross-legged sitting positions more stable for the meditator.
Are meditation cushions worth it?
A meditation cushion also makes it easier to sit in proper alignment for longer periods of time without discomfort, which is a common distraction during a meditation practice.
How do you sit in a ZAFU?
A zafu is a circular bolster-type cushion used for meditation. Simply sit on the floor and place the cushion underneath your hips. Cross your legs comfortably at the ankles or shins and rest the hands on the knees or lap. Ensure the spine remains long.
What is the best shape for a meditation cushion?
Again, if cross-legged sitting is comfortable for you, you can opt for this lower cushion, but otherwise a slightly higher (round) cushion is probably better suited. The advantage of a crescent shaped pillow is that it gives more support to the thighs, and provides a little more tilt of the pelvis.
What do you fill Zafu with?
Zafu Cushion Fill: Buckwheat Hulls Buckwheat cushions help align the pelvis, back, neck, and head, which is why buckwheat cushions and pillows are frequently recommended by chiropractors to help reduce neck pain and migraines. Additionally, buckwheat filled zafus do not loose their desired shape or require fluffing up.
How do you sit in a Zafu?
How do you sit on zafu?
Sit on a circular cushion (zafu) for the classic Zen position.
- For extra comfort, place a meditation mat, or even a blanket or towel, on the floor underneath the cushion.
- Sit in the center of the cushion if you prefer keeping your knees on it.
- Sit at the front of the cushion if you want to rest your knees on the floor.
Why do Japanese sit on the floor?
Sitting on the floor in the seiza position is common in traditional Japanese ceremonies, rituals, and gatherings. It is also an effective way to relieve pain in the back, neck, and improve spine alignment.
