Meditation cushions have become a popular item, and are important to help you relax and focus your energies in what you are doing.
Many serious meditation practitioners have their own cushions to help them feel more comfortable, just as yoga lovers have yoga mats. If you are interested in meditation, it would be a good idea for you to buy a meditation cushion before you start doing some meditation exercises. Always remember that you need to feel comfortable before you can hope to start enjoying the benefits of meditation.
There are a number of meditation cushions that you can choose from. Two of the most famous types of meditations cushions are the traditional zafu, which is used in Zen meditation, and the zabuton. The zafu is a round black cushion that is filled with kapok. Kapok is a fluffy and silky material that comes from the seed pods of the kapok tree. Black cotton is alternatively used for this type of meditation cushion.
When using zafu, you need to sit on your buttocks on the front part of the cushion. You may also use this type of cushion between your legs while kneeling in a seiza fashion.
On the other hand, the zabuton is a mat that is filled with cotton batting. The zabuton serves simply as insulation from the cold floor.
Buying Meditation Cushions
The good thing about kapok as filling material for your meditation cushion is that it is a natural insulator. This type of material will warm with your body heat, so the lower part of your body will not get cold while you sit and meditate. Furthermore, kapok is very light and tends to mold to your body after several meditation sessions.
Aside from the kapok, cotton batting can be a good filling for your cushion. Cotton is cool during hot seasons so you will not really feel too hot on your pants seat. On the other hand, during cold weather, cotton can serve as an insulator. Cotton batting is ideal for your zabuton. Note that the floors can be quite cold to sit on during the winter so using a zabuton filled with cotton batting is a great choice.
