Meditation Cushions - Zafu and Zabuton

Zafu Meditation Cushions

A zafu raises the hips so the knees can drop and the spine can stack. That is the whole trick: when the pelvis is higher than the knees, sitting upright stops being an effort and you can get on with the practice instead of managing your body.

Zafu or zabuton

They do different jobs, and most people end up with both. The zafu is the round cushion that lifts you up. The zabuton is the larger flat mat that goes underneath, cushioning the ankles and knees where they meet the floor. Start with a zafu if you are sitting on carpet, and add a zabuton if your knees or ankles complain on a hard floor.

Filled with buckwheat husk

Our zafus are filled with organic buckwheat husk, which holds its shape under weight and shifts slightly to follow your sitting bones. Buckwheat is the traditional filling for a reason: it is firm without being rigid, it breathes, and you can mould it to the contour you need. The covers are organic cotton, and replacement covers are available.

Shapes and sizes

Round and crescent zafus, rectangular and square zafus, and zabutons in matching organic cotton. If you are unsure which height suits you, a smaller zafu sits lower and a large one lifts more.

Care and upkeep

The covers are removable and washable. If your cushion needs topping up over time, buckwheat husk filling is sold separately.

Setting up a practice space

A yoga blanket adds a softer layer under the knees, yoga blocks help with supported seated poses, and meditation music can help settle into a longer sit.