About Cushions and
Mats
Zafus
(round cushions) are the basic cushions used for zazen. We make two styles
of zafu shells, one for kapok filling and a second for husk filling. Kapok is a
natural fiber similar to cotton but more resilient. As well, it does not
compress as quickly as cotton. Each zafu is filled completely and new
cushions are quite firm.
Recently
husk zafus have become
very popular. These cushions have a different quality in that they shape to
your body. The shell of these cushions have less pleats, so the cushion does
not collapse as much as kapok-filled cushions. Also you can shift the husk
filling to pile up the cushion so that it is higher or lower.
Deciding which cushion to use
is a personal choice. If you need more
height, the husk cushion might be better. However, kapok cushions are
softer.
The
zabuton, or mat, is a square, large pad you place under your
cushions on the floor. It is filled with three layers of cotton batting.
The brown mat has an extra cover which can be washed if needed. Although
you can sit on a carpet floor or place a blanket under your zafu, it is
much more comfortable to have a mat.
Support cushions are
used in many different ways and were developed to serve different needs:
Rectangular kapok-filled support
cushions are used mostly at add extra height under the zafu. They
can also be used as additional padding for the knees, or to relieve pain.
Rectangular husk
support cushions can be used to aid sitting in the seiza, or
kneeling, position; to add extra height under the zafu; or as a
support for your hands' mudra.
Flat support cushions can be used under the zafu or knees. They can be folded in many
ways and also rolled to add support where needed. They are the most
versatile of the support cushion family and people find many ways to
use them.
Small hand cushions
were developed for those who sit in the half-lotus position and may
need support under the hand which does not rest on the foot.
However, there are many other ways people have found to use these
small cushions.
Special cushions
can be made to order. Please contact us for more information.
One final note about cushions:
Because kapok looses volume and flexibility over time, you may need to
refill the cushion every few years.
When you purchase replacement kapok, the quantity is sufficient to fill an empty zafu
shell. |
