How to Use a Meditation Cushion
A meditation cushion is generally placed on the floor and used to elevate the hips during seated meditation. When using a round zafu, the practitioner sits toward the front portion of the cushion with the legs positioned comfortably in front of the body. The additional height can allow the knees to rest lower than the hips and help the pelvis tilt slightly forward. This can make it easier to maintain an upright spine without continually using the back muscles to hold the body upright.
The exact position of the cushion depends on the practitioner's body and preferred meditation posture. A zafu can be used for cross-legged positions such as the Burmese posture, easy cross-legged sitting, half lotus, or lotus. Some cushions can also be turned or positioned differently for kneeling meditation. A flat zabuton can be placed underneath the cushion when additional cushioning is desired for the knees, ankles, and feet, particularly when meditating on a hard floor.