The Koyo Zafu: a wide, grounding meditation cushion

Finding the right meditation cushion for your body is essential to building a strong practice. At Still Sitting, one of our goals is to make meditation as accessible as possible by offering a range of diverse products for every body type and experience level. The Koyo Zafu is the latest addition to our meditation cushion collection. With its distinctive broad-leaf inspired design, this innovative cushion offers a fresh experience for beginning and experienced meditators alike.

The Koyo Zafu is ideal for anyone who values stability and comfort during longer sits. Its unique design particularly benefits those who prefer sitting closer to the ground but need more surface area for support, as well as practitioners who find traditional round cushions too awkward. Developed in collaboration with the Portsmouth Zendo and Korin-ji Zen Monastery, this cushion represents our commitment to evolving meditation support based on real practitioner feedback.

Inspired by the broad leaf

The Koyo Zafu is named after the Japanese term for “broad leaf,” which includes the likes of the oak, maple, and many others. It stands apart from traditional meditation cushions with its wide, low-profile design. At 20 inches wide and 10 inches deep, it provides an exceptionally grounded base that distributes your weight more evenly than conventional cushions. This expanded surface area minimizes pressure points during long meditation sessions while offering greater freedom for subtle posture adjustments.

The Koyo Zafu also distinguishes itself from other cushions due to its filling. While most zafus traditionally use either kapok or buckwheat filling, the Koyo Zafu is stuffed with natural cotton, creating a soft yet supportive sitting experience. This cotton filling provides just enough buoyancy  to be comfortable without sacrificing the support needed for good posture. At just 3.5 inches high, it offers an ideal height for those who prefer sitting closer to the ground. But you can certainly choose to stack two cushions for additional elevation!

Each Koyo Zafu weighs approximately 1 lb. 6 oz. and features a removable cover for easy maintenance—simply unzip, remove, and wash when needed. Available in three earthy tones (Black, Deep Brown, and Chestnut), these cushions complement any meditation space while providing the functional support your practice requires. The 100% duck cotton cover ensures durability through years of regular use, making the Koyo Zafu not just a meditation accessory but a long-term investment in your practice.

How does the Koyo Zafu compare to other meditation cushions?

Understanding the differences between meditation cushion styles can help you find the perfect match for your unique needs:

Koyo Zafu vs. Traditional Round Zafu

While our Round Zafu remains our most popular cushion with its classic 14-inch diameter design, the Koyo Zafu offers significantly more surface area at 20 inches wide. The Round Zafu, available in either kapok (2.5 lbs) or buckwheat (5.5 lbs) filling, sits higher at approximately 8.5 inches (kapok) or 6 inches (buckwheat) compared to the Koyo’s 3.5-inch height. The Round Zafu excels at promoting the traditional cross-legged posture with knees dropped toward the floor, while the Koyo creates a more grounded, stable platform that some find less precarious during longer sits.

Koyo Zafu vs. Crescent Zafu 

Our Crescent Zafu, with its distinctive curved shape that follows your leg-line down to the floor, provides tailored support for your thighs unlike any other cushion. At approximately 20 inches across, it matches the Koyo Zafu’s width but features a tapered design from 6 inches to 2 inches in height. The Crescent excels at cradling your sitting bones while supporting your legs’ natural angle, whereas the Koyo offers consistent height throughout its surface for those who prefer uniform support. The Crescent remains the go-to choice for practitioners seeking thigh support, while the Koyo excels at creating a wider, more stable base.

Koyo Zafu vs. Tibetan Seat/Gomden 

The Tibetan Seat (Gomden) features a rectangular design (16.5″ wide, 12.5″ deep) that sits considerably higher at 6.5 inches compared to the Koyo’s 3.5 inches. With its firm foam interior and quilted top, the Tibetan Seat positions your feet and ankles on the floor while keeping knees elevated—making it particularly suitable for those with limited flexibility. The Koyo, meanwhile, offers a softer cotton-filled experience in a wider, lower profile that allows for various sitting positions. While both provide stable platforms, the Tibetan Seat specializes in accommodating limited flexibility, and the Koyo excels in providing expansive support closer to the ground.

Caring for your zafu

Proper care for your zafu involves regular cleaning, handling, and storage practices:

Regular care

To keep your zafu clean and free of dust, we recommend vacuuming or cleaning it with an upholstery brush regularly. The Koyo Zafu has a removable cover, allowing for easy deep cleaning. Just put your zafu cover in with your other laundry. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can damage the fabric and fillings.

Spot cleaning

Accidents happen. There’s nothing like a green tea stain on your zafu!  Spot clean your cushion as needed, but promptly if you’ve spilled something on it. We recommend using a damp cloth or sponge. You can use a mild soap if needed. Blot excess moisture with a towel and allow the zafu to air dry completely.

Proper handling and storage

If you have a dedicated meditation space, great! But if not, it’s best to avoid keeping your cushion in high-traffic areas where it could get damaged. When not in use, keep it stored safely in a closet or drawer. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from moisture.

Rotating and fluffing

To ensure even wear and maintain the shape of your zafu, it’s a good practice to rotate and fluff it regularly. Rotating helps distribute the pressure evenly, preventing one side from becoming flattened over time. Fluffing the zafu involves gently kneading and shaking it to redistribute the fillings, ensuring it remains firm and supportive. Depending on how often you use your zafu, aim to rotate and fluff it at least once a month.

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