A meditation cushion provides spinal alignment and comfort during meditation. Choosing the right cushion depends on the location of meditation and personal needs. Cushion fillings include buckwheat hulls, kapok, and hard foam. A removable cover is useful for outdoor meditation.
A meditation cushion is a cushion, usually round, that is specially made to provide a practitioner with maximum spinal alignment and comfort. Two fundamental attitudes when practicing meditation are the right listening and the right posture. Physical stillness is necessary to achieve one or the other. A meditation cushion is useful because it is difficult to remain still and listen when the practitioner’s attention is drawn to pain in the body.
When the correct meditation cushion is selected, it aids in sitting upright. By sitting with the spine in proper alignment, the body is stable, making it easier to achieve stillness of breath. For a meditator who has ongoing physical issues, such as chronic arthritis pain, a meditation cushion with back support is available. The meditation cushion is a personal choice based on the needs and wishes of the practitioner.
Meditating with a zafu cushion is a popular choice because there are special cushions, depending on the location or surface where the sitting meditation will occur. The style of meditation cushion you would choose for sitting on concrete would not offer the same level of comfort when sitting on a softer surface. Experts suggest that when choosing a meditation cushion, your first criteria should be determining where you plan to meditate most of the time.
Handmade combinations of two and three pillow sets offer an extra level of comfort. For example, a zafu seat cushion might be mixed with a zabuton that supports the weight of the knees and ankles. If more height is needed, a third pillow will elevate your legs for extra comfort. Experienced meditators may want a chair back cushion for proper spinal alignment. Specialty sets are more expensive, but the extra cost might be a good compromise for less pain and more comfort.
Depending on personal taste, there are several choices for cushion filling. The most common filling is buckwheat hulls. They are flexible and move to fit your meditation position. The kapok filler is firmer and conforms more gradually to the shape of the body. Hard foam is another option.
When meditation is most often performed outdoors, choosing a meditation cushion with a zippered removable cover provides the opportunity to wash and dry it as needed. Velvet, silk, or other non-washable material linings work best when dedicated solely to indoor practice. It is a good idea for a practitioner to do some comparison shopping and try out various types of meditation cushions before settling on one to buy.
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