Zafu cushion
The meditation cushion or zafu is the essential accessory for any meditation practitioner, whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner. It allows you to adopt the right posture, especially in a sitting meditation posture, to avoid tension and pain and help you to refocus on your practice. Discover our advice to choose your meditation cushion with a selection of the best zafus.
What is a meditation cushion?
The meditation cushion or zafu is a rounded cushion on which one sits to meditate. The etymology of the word "zafu" comes from the Japanese words "za" (seat) and "fu" (sledgehammer). The meditation cushion allows you to sit with your back straight and your lumbar vertebrae aligned to release tension in your back and hips.
For the meditation cushion to be comfortable and for you to be able to sit on it for several tens of minutes, it must be at the right height so that the pelvis tilts forward just enough to respect the natural curve of the lumbar vertebrae. Depending on the zafus, the height can vary between 5 and 20 cm.
Best zafu cushion on Amazon
The Lotuscrafts brand is one of the best brands of yoga and meditation accessories. Its meditation cushions are very resistant, of excellent quality and affordable in terms of price. Here is our selection of the 3 best Lotuscrafts meditation cushions on Amazon.
Lotuscrafts Siddha Half Moon Yoga Meditation Cushion
The Siddha half-moon zafu from Lotuscrafts is a 15 cm high meditation cushion stuffed with organic spelt balls. You can change the height at will by removing or adding padding to adapt the size of the zafu to your meditation practice. The envelope of the zafu is made of cotton labeled GOTS (controlled organic agriculture); it can be easily removed and machine washed. 9 colors are available.
Customers are thrilled with their purchase: this high-end meditation cushion is the darling of yoga teachers, with its impeccable finish and quality design. Many customers have tried several zafus before deciding for this one, the most comfortable and the most qualitative one. It can last for 30 years without any problems and can be washed regularly thanks to its removable cover, a feature that is highly appreciated by consumers and that not all zafus have.Customers are thrilled with their purchase: this high-end meditation cushion is the darling of yoga teachers, with its impeccable finish and quality design. Many customers have tried several zafus before deciding for this one, the most comfortable and the most qualitative one. It can last for 30 years without any problems and can be washed regularly thanks to its removable cover, a feature that is highly appreciated by consumers and that not all zafus have.
The Zen Meditation Cushion 100% Organic Cotton of Lotuscrafts
Lotuscrafts' 100% organic cotton Zen zafu is eco-friendly, with a filling of certified organic spelt balls and a cover of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. Like the Siddha half-moon zafu, the cover is removable and washable and the meditation cushion is available in 11 colors. The dimensions are 35 cm in diameter x 15 cm in height (adjustable by removing or adding padding).
Customers are delighted with their purchase: this meditation cushion is comfortable and allows meditation without back pain. They particularly appreciate the possibility to remove or add padding thanks to a zipper on the inner cover, which allows them to adjust the firmness and height to their practice habits. The naturalness and quality of the finishes also appeal to consumers, who do not hesitate to recommend the product.
Half Moon Shanti Meditation Cushion by Lotuscrafts
The Shanti half-moon zafu from Lotuscrafts is in our opinion the best half-moon meditation cushion is slightly lower than the Siddha half-moon zafu, with a height of 12 cm. Ideal for the lotus position, it is suitable for everyone because it is possible to add or remove padding to change the height. The padding is made of organic spelt bales and the cover is made of GOTS certified cotton. It can be removed and machine washed.
Customers particularly appreciate the fact that the cover is removable and washable. Added to the excellent workmanship and quality of the materials, the meditation cushion is durable. Positioning on the zafu is intuitive and easy: all customers who have tried the half-moon zafu have appreciated its firmness and comfort, and do not notice back pain when sitting in lotus to meditate.
Why use a zafu cushion?
The meditation cushion can help you better realize the postures during yoga practice as well, especially the lotus posture (also used in meditation), where you must sit upright, free of tension so as not to impede breathing. The meditation cushion is practical for people who lack flexibility: it facilitates the tailor-made position by raising the pelvis and makes pain and blockages disappear.
The meditation cushion can be used by everyone, beginners or experienced yogis, pregnant women and anyone suffering from back pain.
What are the different forms of zafu cushion?
There are several forms of meditation cushions:
• The zafu or round meditation cushion is the most common yoga cushion. Wide and of variable height, it is slightly domed on top. It is fairly firm and is usually covered with a cotton cover.
• The rectangular meditation cushion is appreciated for its compactness (it is easier to carry) and comfort. Less high than the zafu, it is rather intended for more flexible or smaller people. This is why it is often reserved for people who have already been practicing meditation for some time.
• The oval meditation cushion is higher and very suitable for the squatting sitting position. Thanks to its oval shape, it opens the pelvis and aligns the hips to release tension in the knees.
• The half-moon meditation cushion, also called half-zafu (if there are no folds) or fuzen (if there are folds in the back). These cushions are more ergonomic because their shape adapts perfectly to the body in the lotus position.
Our criteria for choosing your zafu cushion
To properly choose your meditation cushion, you must take into account the following criteria:
The size of the zafu :
If you are flexible and your knees touch the ground in lotus position, or if you are tall, choose a cushion between 5 and 11 cm high. If you are intermediate, a zafu between 12 and 16 cm will suit you perfectly. If you are not flexible or if you are new to the practice of meditation, choose a zafu between 16 and 20 cm. In any case, the width of the zafu should be adapted to the width of your pelvis.
The padding of the zafu :
The softest people in the pelvis will prefer a zafu stuffed with kapok (a natural fiber that looks like cotton), and the stiffest people will prefer a zafu stuffed with spelt. One can also choose a zafu made of buckwheat (a little harder than spelt). In general, the zafu should be firm to support your pelvis.
The color of the zafu :
According to chromatherapy, colors have a meaning. For example, sober colors such as black and gray promote calm, orange promotes physical and mental healing, and blue helps to relax.
How do I use a meditation cushion?
The principle of the zafu is simple: the meditator sits on the edge of the meditation cushion, in the lotus or suit position, the hips are lifted and the legs rest comfortably on the floor, slightly tilted down. The pelvis tilts slightly forward to respect the natural curvature of the back, and the upper body is naturally aligned. The posture should be maintained painlessly and effortlessly throughout the meditation. If this is not the case, it may be necessary to adjust the height of the zafu.
Where to buy your meditation cushion?
Meditation cushions can be found on the Internet, for example on Amazon, but also in specialized stores that sell yoga and meditation accessories. The advantage of buying your meditation cushion in a specialized store is the possibility to try the product before purchase. However, you will find more product choices online. The ideal is to opt for a meditation cushion such as the zafu meditation cushions, which are adjustable in height. You can also use user feedback to get an idea of the quality of the product before you buy it.
When choosing your meditation cushion, consider your meditation practice and your preferences in terms of shape, color and size. The Lotuscrafts brand offers the best meditation cushions, with zafus that are versatile, comfortable and of high quality. Users are very satisfied with these high quality meditation cushions that can be adapted to each individual practice.
