Meditation cushions and benches are intended to provide support and stability without discomfort. Physically it is helpful if the support you use raises your pelvis above your knees. This will allow the spine to straighten and elongate naturally and to enable sitting longer.
Support cushions come in different sizes, shapes and thickness. Shapes can be round, rectangular or crescent shaped. Support cushions can also be used to raise the height of the main sitting cushion to allow a comfortable sitting angle or to support the knees, buttocks, thighs or ankles. Support cushions also serve as a platform for your hands and placed under the feet to raise them from the floor when sitting in a chair.
Types of support cushions:
ZAFU is the classic round meditation cushion. ZAFUS come in different sizes, thickness and materials. When sitting on a ZAFU you will want to sit on the front third of the ZAFU and not right in the center.
ZABUTON is a mat that goes beneath the sitting cushion; acts as insulation from cold floors and as a soft resting place for knees. It should be large enough to accommodate your cushion and the meditation style you choose to practice. Your legs should not be over the edge of the ZABUTON but resting on the ZABUTON.
CRESCENT SHAPE CUSHIONS also called moon shaped cushions can correct sitting angel of pelvis above the knees, while the wings support the legs or thighs. These cushions will come in Regular Loft, by far the most popular choice, or Low Loft best for the veteran, flexible or petite sitter. The loft of the back of the cushion should be much higher than the front to give a good sitting angle.
Meditation cushions and support cushions are usually available in KAPOK, BUCKWHEAT HULL or COTTON BATTING type fill. Type of fill is an individual choice as to the type of firmness needed or desired.
KAPOK is lightweight and will warm with body heat. KAPOK does not readily mold to the body but takes a break-in period. After awhile-additional KAPOK will need to be added as, it will become compact.
BUCKWHEAT HULLS will conform to whatever shape is needed and will remain cool. This cushion is durable, hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly. It will provide an extremely firm sitting surface and will conform to the buttocks.
COTTON BATTING a form of padding which is used in quilting and upholstery projects. This type of fill is used in ZABUTONS.
MEDITATION BENCHES come in varying shapes and sizes and used in kneeling styles of meditation or to sit cross-legged. Meditation benches are made of plain wood, often walnut. The bench is sloped so the back is higher than the front. It is important to choose one, which is stable. If using a folding style it should have a solid, durable hinge. It is recommended to use a cushion or padding on a wooden bench and if kneeling a pad under the bench for knee support.
When sitting and meditating you may experience some discomfort (dharma pain). Dharma pain is pain (discomfort or restlessness) from experiences stored in the body. However, discomfort and pain are not the same. Pain is your bodies way of letting you know that you need to stop whatever it is you are doing. When you open yourself up to dharma pain, it is a sign of growing meditational maturity.
In meditation, as in life, the first rule is to practice a policy of non-harming and kindness, especially towards ourselves. |
