Beyond The Zafu: Exploring Other Meditation Cushion Options

Finding the right meditation cushion is essential for your practice. But which one is right for you? The classic round zafu is perfect for most people, but there are plenty of other options to try. Come with us and we’ll go beyond the zafu and explore some of our more uncommon meditation cushions that can offer you a unique sitting experience.

Whether you’re interested in form, support, or portability, there’s something here for everyone.

Variety is the spice of life after all. 

Crescent zafu: cradled support

Our Crescent Zafu is a wonderful choice for meditation enthusiasts who value comfort and support during their practice. The unique crescent shape is designed to cradle your body while providing excellent leg support, making it easier to achieve a comfortable seated posture. 

The Crescent Zafu is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a supportive and stylish meditation cushion that provides an excellent foundation for your practice. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this cushion is a great fit when you want a little bit extra to sit on.

Mini zafu: portability meets comfort

Our Mini Zafu is the perfect choice for those who practice mindfulness on the go or prefer a more compact meditation cushion. You can take your meditation space with you through this minimalist cushion that goes wherevere you want to go.

The Mini Zafu is ideal if you need a cushion with a smaller footprint that also travels well. If you enjoy outdoor meditation sessions, yoga classes, or travel, this is a great option for you. It can also be used to support other cushions if you need a little extra height during meditation.

Tibetan seat gomden: embrace firm support

Our Tibetan Seat, also known as a Gomden, is a unique and practical meditation cushion that gives your body firm, structured support. It is an excellent choice for those who are worried about wobbling around on a zafu, or simply prefer a wider base to sit on.

When sitting on it, your feet and ankles touch the floor, but not your knees. So, it’s particularly useful for individuals who have difficulty getting their knees down or need a more stable platform for meditation.

The Gomden is also a great all-purpose seat to use around the house, listening to music or talks, or sitting around a coffee table playing games or chatting with friends.

What is a traditional zafu?

Zafus are the standard for many Eastern meditation traditions. They are also how we started our business, and they’ve been our best-selling product year after year. Zafus are round meditation cushions designed to provide a comfortable and supportive seat for practitioners. The core function of a zafu is to elevate the pelvis, allowing for a more aligned spine and better support during meditation.

Zafus do require a certain amount of flexibility to use, but there are numerous ways to sit on a zafu (not just cross-legged) that can accommodate people of different levels of flexibility.

The filling material of a zafu affects its firmness and feel. The most common of these fillings are kapok and buckwheat hulls. Buckwheat acts as a sturdy but malleable support, ready to contour to your body. Meanwhile kapok is a lightweight, luminescent fluff that comes from the seed pods of the formidable Ceiba tree that is softer to sit on.

Which meditation cushion is right for me?

Selecting the right meditation cushion can significantly enhance your practice and overall meditation experience. Each of the three meditation cushions from Still Sitting – the Crescent Zafu, Mini Zafu, and Tibetan Seat Gomden – offers unique features and benefits to cater to different needs and preferences.

Crescent Zafu

• 100% cotton duck shell
• 20 inch width
• Buckwheat or kapok filling
• Variety of beautiful colors
• Removable, machine-washable cover

Mini Zafu

• 100% cotton shell
• Dimensions: 14″ X 9″ X 4″
• Organic buckwheat fill
• Perfect on-the-go size
• Removable, machine-washable cover

Tibetan Seat Gomden

• 100% cotton duck shell
• Dimensions: 18″ X 12.5″ X 6.5″
• Foam fill
• Firm yet comfortable support
• Removable, machine-washable cover

To find the perfect meditation companion for you, consider your specific requirements, such as the need for leg support, portability, or firmness. Also think about your personal style and color preferences to make your meditation space uniquely yours.

With the right meditation product, you can elevate your practice and achieve a greater sense of comfort, focus, and mindfulness. Whichever cushion you choose, it’s a step toward a more enriching and rewarding meditation journey.

Learn more about which products are right for you blog: “Meditation Basics: Cushion or Bench”.

Happy meditating!