In this post, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about meditation cushions. I’ll answer questions like: Why should I use them? How do I use them? What ways can I sit on them? And what type of meditation cushion should I get?
Why should I use meditation cushions?
Using meditation cushions is going to be far more comfortable than sitting on the bare floor! Your body needs reliable hip and spinal support. If you don’t have that, you’re going to be re-adjusting a lot during your practice, which will inevitably ruin your concentration. Meditation cushions lift your hips and allows them to roll slightly forward, supporting the natural curve of your lower back. This should make it easier to keep your body still and come out of the practice without a sore bum or back! Of course there’s the option of lying down, but I don’t suggest it unless you’re planning to do a deep body scan or guided sleep meditation. You can also sit in a chair, but meditation pillows align the spine and hips better and also gives you a sense of being grounded.
How do you sit on a meditation cushion?
The three most popular ways of sitting on a meditation cushion are kneeling, lotus pose (and its variations) and arched back.
Kneeling
Place your meditation cushion under your bum for support. While kneeling, relax your arms, and place your hands on your thighs or knees. This posture is great for those who find it harder to keep their spine straight while sitting cross-legged. It’ll remove the pressure on your joints and promote circulation in your legs. Oftentimes, when I’m meditating for long periods of time, sitting cross-legged gives me those awful pins and needles in my legs. Sitting in this position avoids that potential problem.
Lotus Pose
Lotus pose is a cross-legged sitting meditation pose in which each foot is placed on the opposite thigh. Just assume a cross-legged position and gently place your right ankle on the opposite calf. This pose is beneficial for opening up the hips and promoting circulation in the lumbar spine. Keep in mind there are a couple of variations of this pose: the quarter lotus, the half lotus and the full lotus (shown above).
Arched Back
If you want to get a nice stretch and opening in your chest, this arched back pose is the perfect choice. Arching your back will give you the opportunity for longer, deeper breaths during your meditation practice. It’s also a great way to relieve lower back pain! Sit down with the meditation pillow right behind your hips, then lean back with your arms overhead to open up your chest. It’s as easy at that!
Does the shape and size of the meditation pillow matter?
No, the shape and size of the cushion does not really matter. It all comes down to personal preference. But keep in mind that whatever you choose should allow you to sit comfortably. Posture is very important to maintain during meditation practice, so choose whatever will suit your needs best.
The most popular shape is a round cushion, though other options are ovals, rectangles, crescent shaped or U-shaped. There is also the consideration of cushion height. The general consensus is that a meditation pillow 5 – 8 inches off the floor should be perfectly fine for individuals of almost any height.
5 Popular Buddhist Meditation Cushions in 2021
Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Meditation Cushion
Brentwood’s meditation cushion is my top pick from the list and it’s the one that I use on a daily basis (purchased it in August 2020). My spine and bum feels soo good sitting on this cushion. Its modern oval design is filled with natural buckwheat, creating a firm base that adjusts to your body. The soft stretch-knit cover is embroidered with a gorgeous design, and it’s easy to remove and wash.
Fair warning: if you have cats, they’re probably going to use this cushion more than you.
Florensi Meditation Cushion
Florensi’s meditation cushion is filled with quality buckwheat and is about 5 inches thick for optimal support. It’s a also bit larger in width than other cushions you may see on the market.
Modeled after the traditional Japanese Zen meditation cushion, Florensi’s meditation cushion design is inspired by the mandala lotus flower. The pattern of the flower represents connection, unity, compassion and growth. Very cute! The color options range from blue, green, purple and grey.
Node Fitness Crescent Meditation Cushion
The Node crescent meditation cushion is filled with premium, sanitized buckwheat hulls, which can be partially removed for a softer, lower cushion and customizable comfort that will accommodate bodies of all sizes and flexibility levels. The crescent-shaped adaptation of the typically round zafu cushion shape lends itself to more comfortable sitting for some meditation positions. There are also plenty of color options to choose from like red, blue, purple, gray and black.
Mindful and Modern Velvet Meditation Cushion
This Mindful and Modern meditation cushion has a gorgeous ultra-luxe velvet design in five stunning colors. Filled with organic buckwheat, these cushions are eco-conscious and non-toxic. Deep, rich, vibrant and pleasing hues. Hefty, firm and supportive, while also soft, comfortable and durable. The softness and sheen of chenille, yet durable and made to last through daily use. The quality is exceptional, though a little pricey.
Leewadee Meditation Cushion Set: Round Zafu Pillow and Large Square Zabuton Mat
This meditation cushion from Leewadee also comes with a mat! And instead of Buckwheat, these cushions are filled with new, untreated kapok, a plant fibre extracted from the fruits of a tropical tree. It offers firm but comfortable padding that is both comfortable and supportive. If you like to kneel during meditation, having a mat is a must. I feel like this is priced fairly considering it comes with both.
