What Is a Meditation Cushion
A meditation cushion is a firm, supportive cushion designed to provide a comfortable and stable seat during seated meditation. Unlike a typical soft pillow, a meditation cushion is designed to maintain its shape while supporting the body. Raising the hips above the knees can help the pelvis settle into a more natural position and make it easier to maintain an upright posture during meditation. The most recognizable type is the round zafu, although meditation cushions are also available in crescent, rectangular, wedge, and other shapes.
Meditation cushions can be filled with materials such as buckwheat hulls, kapok fiber, cotton, or other supportive materials. The filling affects the firmness, weight, and ability of the cushion to conform to the body. Some cushions are designed to allow the filling to be adjusted, while others maintain a fixed shape. A meditation cushion may be used by itself or together with a larger flat zabuton mat, which provides cushioning beneath the knees, ankles, and feet.