Zafu meditation cushion
The choice of your meditation cushion is very important because it conditions the holding of a good posture favourable to the access to your interiority.
The use of a zafu goes back to the time of Buddha. The old texts say that the Buddha was sitting in meditation on a "heap of grass". The grass would thus be the ancestor of the kapok, this vegetable fiber, flexible and firm at the same time.
In the practice of meditation, the search for verticality is fundamental. For this, the spine must be correctly positioned, that is to say that the cushion of mediation must have an exact height to allow a slight tilt of the pelvis forward so that the natural camber of the 5th lumbar vertebra is respected. Thus, the posture is built on a forward inclined plane consisting of three points: both knees on the ground and the perineum placed in the center of the zafu.
Zafu cushion
Consequently, the zafu will have to be adapted to each person's body and to the flexibility of their pelvis. Sitting on a zafu helps to keep the correct verticality of the meditation posture and therefore helps concentration, the learning of which is the basis of all meditative practices.
We propose two filling modes: kapok (natural fiber resembling cotton) and spelt bran (the husk of the spelt grain).
Zafu filled with kapok is the traditional zafu. The standard model is the most widely used. For tall people or those who lack flexibility, the "high zafu" filled with kapok is recommended. There is also the "travel zafu" made of kapok which is very suitable for small or very flexible people. People with a certain flexibility of the pelvis while the zafu filled with spelt is suitable for people who are not used to meditate or practice yoga. The zafu filled with kapok adapts to your posture, you can pad it at any time so that it is higher and firmer and thus make your posture more tonic.
The zafu filled with spelt is firmer. It may be suitable for people who are new to sitting meditation or who have little practice in sitting meditation. The firmness of sitting on a zafu filled with spelt will give support to the spine. The "standard spelt filled zafu" is therefore suitable for beginners and for people who wish to do a short, intensive course (e.g. a mindfulness course).
Meditation is an integral part of Yoga, it is a moment of union between body and mind during which the goal is to let go. The meditation cushion, also called zafu, is the best yoga accessory to make your practice comfortable. Let's discover together what the meditation zafu is.
What is a Zafu meditation cushion?
The meditation zafu is a cushion specially designed to make meditation as comfortable as possible and encourage letting go. It can also be used to perform certain asanas.
There are different models, of variable size and different shapes (half-moon, oval, round or square). It is generally filled with kapok, a vegetable fiber widely used for upholstery, or with spelt husks to ensure a quality and adapted seat, according to the needs of each person.
Under what circumstances should it be used?
The zafu accompanies us during the phases of meditation and helps us to maintain a comfortable sitting position without damaging our back. For the lotus posture, the practice of zazen (a practice of Zen Buddhism), or the Burmese position, this yoga accessory will be a precious ally to enjoy our relaxation, without having to worry about our posture or feel any discomfort.
Does form matter?
Meditation requires absolute comfort to help the mind let go and relax. Sitting on the meditation cushion is therefore essential to prevent our mind from dissipating during practice. It is important not to feel any discomfort or pain, the seat must be comfortable.
In the traditional practice of zazen, the zafu is oval in shape. It has folds on the sides and a curved seat. These features encourage the yogi to sit on the edge of the cushion and not in the center. This seat helps to maintain a straight back and to promote abdominal breathing.
A round meditation zafu allows the yogi to sit comfortably in a suit, thanks to knees well positioned in relation to the hips. On a round meditation cushion, the yogi sits in the center of the cushion.
The half-moon shaped zafu is an ideal yoga accessory to protect our lumbar and back.
Finally, there is also the square meditation cushion (also called zabuton in Japan) which helps cushion the seat while protecting the ankles.
If it is possible, it is better to try different shapes of zafu before making your choice, to make sure you have a seat adapted to your needs.
Which size to choose?
The meditation cushions are between 5 and 16 cm thick. Our level of flexibility is an important criterion to take into account when choosing the most suitable size. If you are not very flexible, or even stiff, it is recommended to choose a meditation cushion that is high enough. If you are particularly flexible, you can choose a cushion that is fairly flat. If you are in between, prefer a medium height (between 12 and 16 cm).
Of course comfort and feeling are also criteria to be taken into account, the most important thing is to feel comfortable.
Meditation Zafu Padding
As a rule, the meditation zafu is stuffed with kapok or spelt husks.
Kapok is a vegetable fiber that is very similar to cotton. It provides a comfortable and soft seat. In addition, it is waterproof and rot-proof. A cushion made of kapok will therefore be easier to care for and will have a longer lifespan.
Spelt is a cereal quite similar to wheat which has the particularity of having a rather hard envelope. A meditation cushion stuffed with spelt will therefore be firmer. There are also other types of padding such as buckwheat for example.
How to maintain your zafu?
To maintain your zafu, it is better to choose a removable cover. It will be enough for us to put it in the washing machine to maintain it regularly and avoid that it is damaged. Otherwise you just have to make a homemade cleaner with mineral water and white wine vinegar to eliminate bacteria.
Is the color of the zafu important?
You think the color of the meditation cushion doesn't matter? Think again! Colors have a vibration (energy) that acts on your body. Therefore, they are a great help. Plain or printed, there is a choice of colors for your yoga accessory.
• Violet: it symbolizes peace, purity and idealism. It is attached to the 7th chakra (crown),
• Blue: it promotes inner serenity and listening to others. It is connected to the 5th chakra (throat),
• Green: reminiscent of nature, it symbolizes optimism, stability, calm and harmony. It is linked to the 4th chakra (heart),
• Orange: it is a toning color, referring to communication and creativity. It is attached to the 2nd (sacred) chakra,
• Red: it is a color that brings inner strength. It is connected to the 1st chakra (root),
• Black: it helps to make the vacuum.
Your meditation cushion must be adapted to your morphology and your tastes. For some, a zafu is just a cushion, but in reality it is your greatest ally in the practice of meditation, because it is on it that you will sit comfortably. There are various shapes, sizes, colors and fillings. There is something for all tastes and all morphologies! Indeed, a meditation accessory not adapted will be uncomfortable and you will have difficulties to relax. Choosing a meditation cushion is first of all to choose the ideal size according to your anatomy.
