Meditation cushions can make all the difference when it comes to a successful, comfortable meditation practice—for beginners and experts alike. Here are the best meditation cushions to support your practice.
As if sitting still for more than 10 minutes isn’t hard enough, try sitting on the floor without any support. It’s probably not going to inspire daily meditation sessions.
Just like you need a proper bed for a good night’s sleep, a high-quality meditation cushion is a must if you want to establish a consistent practice. Luckily, seasoned sitters created cushions, mats, and chairs to make meditating for a long period of time not only manageable, but truly comfortable.
When choosing a meditation cushion, you want to be mindful—no pun intended—of the sturdiness of the cushion. Most meditation cushions are filled with buckwheat, which makes it heavy enough to keep you from shifting in your seat. If your knees and feet are sensitive, look for a meditation cushion that comes with a mat, which provides extra support.
Top 11 Meditation Cushions of 2020
Science has finally caught up to the wisdom of the ages. Meditation is simply good for you, physically, psychologically and spiritually.
Some of these benefits, though not all of these are scientifically backed obviously, include:
While some of these benefits are more abstract, others are more concrete. Increased self-awareness and intelligence are perhaps the most abstract on the list while at the same time arguably being some of the main elements of the meditative practice. A stronger, healthier body and mind is nevertheless an supremely welcomed byproduct!
That being said if we practice meditation without paying attention to our spine and posture we can end up working against ourselves in the long run. This is why meditation cushions are so great and why you should have one or two in the comfort of your own home.
What a meditation cushion is and why you should have one
Meditation cushions are tools that help you advance in your meditative practice without being too distracted by the discomforts and limitations of your body. They also help in supporting, correcting and aligning your meditation posture by elevating your pelvis so that your hips are above your knees which in turn leads to your meditation becoming more effective, effortless and enjoyable.
The more you can focus your attention on your consciousness as it is without being distracted by phenomena, the more you will reap the benefits of your meditative practice.
Having said that, a common consequence I’ve found of western living is staleness and rigidity of the limbs and the body in general. Chairs, physical inactivity and office jobs are largely responsible for this misfortune. While some are more flexible, others need some assistance to maintain an upright and balanced posture when meditating.
Luckily meditation cushions are here just to help solve this problem.
How to choose a meditation cushion
To find the right cushion you have to take into consideration what posture you take when practicing your meditation. For example If you’re capable of the full lotus or half lotus position (cross-legged), the zafu and zabuton cushions work excellent. For optimal comfort it is advised to sit on the narrow end of the cushion so that your legs extend more easily off the edge.
Who said meditation cushions are only for sitting on? They can be just as good for stretching and yoga purposes.
Zafu cushions are the traditional round cushions that are used in zazen meditation in the tradition of Zen Buddhism, while zabuton cushions are rectangular cushions that are often used beneath the zafu in order to provide extra comfort and support for your knees, feet and ankles. If you for some reason don’t have a zabuton cushion available you could always use a thick blanket or a meditation shawl to replace the zabuton as a foundation.
Our best picks
These following meditation cushions have been carefully picked with regards to overall quality, brand integrity, customer reviews, functionality but also the creative touch.
Hopefully you’ll find just the right one for you below:
Zenjara Zafu Yoga Meditation Cushion
We start things of with this high quality zafu meditation cushion by Zenjara. It’s filled with natural buckweat hulls and contains no plastic. The washing of the exterior cover is easy as the cushion has an zipper that allows you to easily remove fillings and the cover.
Brent-wood Home Crystal Cove Meditation Pillow Cushion
When it comes to design, this meditation cushion by the esteemed brand Brent-wood is definitely my favorite. It looks amazing and better yet, feels amazing as well. Plus it is quite a versatile pillow that can be used for a variety of meditation and yoga postures, like for example the arched back pose, child’s pose and of course all the different cross-legged (lotus) poses.
Indigo Shibori Round Meditation Cushion
This meditation cushion from Buddha Groove pays homage to shibori, an Japanese method of dyeing that traditionally uses indigo which results in a mesmerizing array of white and blue color patterns. It is one of the bigger cushions on the list and can probably be used by most individuals.
Alexia Meditation Seat (Ergonimically Designed)
Alexia meditation seat is one of our more interesting picks, as it is a more creative meditation cushion that is optimally designed after the human physiology. If you got the extra dough this pick could definitely be a great addition to your meditative practice, even though it’s a bit on the expensive side.
My Zen Home Dhyana Meditation Cushion
This delicate piece is a folded meditation cushion which also makes it quite the unique design (using traditional Thai patterns). The cushion is functionally versatile and definitely gets the job done! The main advantage of this design is that it performs the function of both zafu and zabuton cushions in one package. Two birds in one stone so to say.
Satori Zafu Crescent Meditation Pillow
This crescent shaped satori cushion is great for those that prefer to sit in half-lotus position (cross-legged). This one just might bring you sudden enlightenment! After all that is the meaning of the Buddhist term satori. Moreover according to Feng Shui philosophy, the red color of the cushion might also elevate your energy to nirvana!
Zafu and Zabuton Meditation Cushion Set (Bean Products)
Bean products have a large variety of colors and sizes on their zafu and zabuton meditation cushion set. If you really want to have a comfy place for your meditation, buying a set like this is the way to go.
- Made out of eco-friendly cotton / hemp
- Comes in 3 sizes and multiple colors
Zafu Zabuton Meditation Cushion Set (Conscious Life Shop)
Here’s another meditation cushion set for you, this time a grey colored 100% organic beauty from Conscious Life Shop.
Purple Lotus Zafu Cushion
This baby with a lotus flower in the middle is also from Buddha Groove. A beautiful handcrafted piece!
Kapok/Buckwheat Hull Filled Cosmic Cushion
This cushion by the esteemed brand Sage Meditation is a great choice for a meditation cushion. The shape is unique and there’s a variety of colors to choose from.
Peace Yoga Zafu Meditation Yoga Cushion (Premium Designs)
These zafu cushions from Peace Yoga come in two sizes and have a nice variety of colors and designs, so find your baby and start meditating!
Final thoughts
The positive benefits of incorporating meditation into ones life has been established by spiritual traditions for thousands of years and now in our own day and age also by science. Having and using a meditation cushion helps you bypass some physical discomforts and limitations while simultaneously enabling you to access priceless and timeless benefits like psychological serenity, joy and contentment more readily.
If you’re not sure about meditation cushions perhaps meditation floor chairs is better suited for you, if not that, maybe have a look at our guide on how to find the best meditation bench for you.
Hopefully this review list of the best meditation cushions will in some way aid you in enhancing your meditative practice.
Our main goal is to share insights and knowledge that help infuse your life with joy and relaxation. In other words, True Relaxations is a digital magazine dedicated to your supreme well being.
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Got a minute? Do yourself a favor and take one. Look, we know what you’re thinking: If one more person tells you to be more “mindful,” heads are gonna roll. But hear us out! There’s a reason why everyone talks about meditation like it’s the world’s best-kept secret. It works. Big-time. And while finding time to actually meditate can be hard, the surface you meditate on doesn’t have to be. Enter meditation cushions.
Now, don’t get us wrong. Meditation is a simple practice that’s all about reconnecting with the body. You can do it anywhere, and on anything. In other words: By no means do you need a meditation cushion, but having a dedicated spot for hitting the reset button can help you build a dependable routine. Plus, meditation cushions promote the support and alignment necessary to maintain a meditative state, while greatly improving awareness along the way. If you want to meditate, but feel like you’re too busy or too easily distracted, this is the answer you’ve been looking for.
To find the best cushions, we joined the Buzz Feed New York office’s weekly meditation sessions and asked a varied set of testers to consider everything from durability, filling, and comfort to ease of cleaning. We found we didn’t need to meditate for very long to feel a positive impact, and more importantly, we learned that having a comfy seat made all the difference in staying motivated to keep up our practice. Below, our favorite meditation cushions to zen out on, at three different price points.
The 7 Best Meditation Cushions That Will Change Your Meditation Practice Forever
I’d be willing to bet that you decided to try meditation because it looks so peaceful from the outside: glossy-haired yoginis sitting in an effortless full lotus position directly on a full-grain wood floor are in all of the magazines. We all want that kind of peace — but the truth is, mediation can be much more complicated than just sitting down and focusing on your breath!
If you really tried to practice sitting meditation directly on a wood floor, you’d quickly find that your knees would seize up, your legs would have pins and needles, and the strain of trying to keep your spine straight would have you in pain, not peace!
Sitting on a zafu or cushion and supporting the spine is essential to cultivating a calm, meaningful meditation. A cushion will reduce pain, align the spine more naturally, and help you rest in mindfulness without constantly thinking about your aching back.
How to Sit Properly During Meditation (And Why You Must)
Sitting for long periods of time with your back and neck out of alignment is not only painful and distracting for you, but unhealthy! Sitting on the floor in lotus position is the quickest way to pull your back out of whack, and perhaps permanently damage your spine. You really want to make sure your spine is supported and aligned when you’re meditating.
Sitting on a cushion or prop — with the spine supported and aligned — reduces blood pressure, deepens your breathing, increases your concentration, and allows Prana to circulate freely through your body, opening the chakras and revitalizing the whole body. This is the real reason we meditate!
Try out these helpful hints for sitting with proper technique:
Sit down and cross the legs.
There are several ways to fold your legs: full lotus, half lotus, kneeling (seiza), or Suhkasana, where the legs are crossed in a relaxed way resting in front of you. If you have tight hips or difficulty with your knees or mobility, try meditating in a chair, or laying down in shavasana.
These are all great leg options, and there is no judgment about which one you pick! None of these leg positions are better or more proper than the others. It’s really about what is most supportive for your body in time and space: maybe it’s early morning and you want back support, but if you lie down you think you might go back to sleep? Chair sitting might be a good fit. Perhaps you want to meditate but your ankle has been bothering you? A meditation stool might be just the thing.
Center your sit bones.
Sit in the center of your cushion or in the middle of your chair so your pelvis is neutral, not tilted too far forward or too far back. You want your spine to stay aligned; if your pelvis is tilted, your spine will follow. You might want to rock a little here to get a better sense of where the center of your zafu is. If you’re sitting in a chair, you’ll want to make sure that you’re sitting far enough forward that your feet are firmly on the ground.
Align your spine.
Think of your vertebrae stacked neatly on top of one another, and your neck on top of that, balancing a book on your head. You really want your spine rising up and elongating toward the heavens.
Relax the shoulders.
Don’t let your shoulders crowd your ears! You can even bring them back a tiny bit, opening your fourth chakra and activating the heart. Relaxing your shoulders will relax your whole body.
Rest your hands.
With your elbows bent, bring your hands gently to your thighs, or rest them face up in your lap, touching thumbs with your right hand on top of your left. If you know mudras that you like, you can use those too, but a receptive palms-up pose is just as effective if it works for you. I also tend to meditate in prayer position with my palms together at my heart chakra, which I recommend especially if you need a little more self-love and compassion.
Relax the jaw.
Part the lips slightly, which will help relax your jaw and let it drop a little. Bringing the tongue to rest on the roof of the mouth can help you relax and calm your breathing here, as well.
Soften your gaze.
You can close your eyes if you want, or you can instead relax your eyes and eyelids and focus softly on a point on the floor about two feet in front of you. If you find that closing your eyes leads to too much “monkey mind” chatter, finding a spot to focus softly on can help calm the mind a little. Don’t stare intently! Think of the 3D posters you used to see back in the day — remember how you had to soften and look through the poster to see the figure? That’s what you’re aiming for.
Props for Proper Posture in Seated Meditation
Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and so does every meditation prop! There are so many that it can be overwhelming to choose one, but here’s a handy guide to help you decide which is best for your sitting practice.
The right prop will help you align your spine, take pressure off your knees, thighs, and ankles, and keep you from getting that “pins and needles” feeling. It will help you relax deeply into your meditation and reduce any discomfort you might feel from sitting for long periods of time. You’re seated position can only benefit from the comfort and support of a prop.
Meditation Pillow or Cushion
Meditation pillows are also called zafus. Zafus are fat, round pillows that are low to the ground, so they’re best for those of you who have flexible knees and hips as you’ll want to sit cross-legged or in lotus on these. Zafus are often stuffed with organic buckwheat hulls, which gives them a firm texture that supports the pelvis and spine. You can alternatively get them with cotton filling, but I tend towards the buckwheat hulls as they are more resilient and won’t flatten as quickly as cotton from bearing your weight.
Zafus come in many sizes and shapes, so look for one that fits your height when you’re purchasing. If you’re taller or have less flexible hips, a larger zafu will work better because it will keep you higher off of the floor and make more room for your knees and legs. Zafus are resilient when it comes to weight, as they’re generally made tough to withstand the hours and hours of pressure of sitting. Height is the largest factor when looking for a good fit.
A zabuton is another type of meditation cushion that usually goes under the zafu — these are often sold in a cushion set with a zafu. The zabuton is larger and flatter, used under the zafu for more support and a softer leg cushion. I use a zabuton when I meditate to make the floor more welcoming to my feet and ankle bones! They’re also great for winter days when the floor is much too cold and you need a little extra insulation.
Meditation Chair
A meditation chair can be a wonderful addition to your meditation practice. There are many different types of meditation chairs — usually, they have some sort of back support but are low to the ground so you can fold your legs, as well. Some meditation chairs are on the ground, and some off the ground depending on your preference. If you already have back problems and sitting on a zafu doesn’t work for you, a meditation chair might be just the thing.
When purchasing a meditation chair, make sure you’re checking the sizes. Some chairs are made for people 5’ 9” and under, but some are made larger, like the Friends of Meditation chair on Amazon. I especially like and recommend the classic Back Jack, which is seemingly used at every retreat I’ve ever attended!
Meditation Stool
A meditation stool is a perfect option for those of you who have little hip mobility and would like to kneel or want a higher and easier hip opening. The stool is higher off the ground but has room to tuck the legs underneath so that you can sit with spine aligned, without hurting the knees or hips. It’s especially useful for prenatal meditation.
Another great thing about meditation stools is that many are portable and easy to carry. Where a zafu and a zabuton can be weighty, a meditation stool can be packed up and carried easily. I love this one in a beautiful purple.
Some stools are made out of just wood, and some come with cushions. If you’re a beginner, the cushioned stool is a better option. Plain wood can be difficult to get used to, even for the seasoned meditator.
Best Meditation Cushions and Pillows
1: Dream Meditation Cushion from Sittin Pretty Still
I love this cushion from Sittin Pretty Still with its gorgeous five-petal design. Each petal makes the cushion supremely ergonomically supportive, and it has a zipper opening for adjusting the filling as well as easy washing. Made with organic buckwheat hulls and dried lavender, it smells as luxurious as it looks!
Cushion #2: Chattra Zafu Cushion from Yoga Outlet
Chattra zafus are perfect and classic. They come in all sizes, shapes, and colors, and they’re hand printed using ancient block techniques in ethical workshops in India. They come in absolutely gorgeous colors, so when I’m not using the zafu, I leave it on my couch because it’s so pretty.
3: Zafu and Zabuton Meditation Cushion Set from Bean Products
These zafu and zabuton cushion sets come in multiple jewel-tone chakra colors, round or oval, and also in a large size for those of you with longer legs. Made with 100% organic buckwheat hulls, I love that they also come in Hemp fabric for even more durability.
4: Ergonomic Meditation Seat from the Grommet
If you have pain when you’re sitting, an ergonomic chair can be a great choice to both support your back and pelvis, but also your knees and ankles. The Ergonomic Meditation Seat by the Grommet lets you sit in an easy cross-legged pose (or Sukhasana) with complete support. Though traveling with the seat may be hard, it’s beautiful enough to display in your home as an interesting piece of art.
5: The Crystal Cove Meditation Pillow by Brent wood Home
This deliciously soft, gorgeously stitched Crystal Cove Meditation Pillow is modeled after the ocean waves in California’s Crystal Cove State Park. It’s easily cleaned, and also 100% vegan, so you can rest easy knowing that you’re meditation with props that align with your values.
6: Crescent Meditation Pillow by Seat of Your Soul
Your lotus pose can benefit greatly from the Crescent Meditation Pillow, which bears the weight of the sit bones perfectly while creating room for the ankles and feet. Beyond the beautiful colors and durable construction of this pillow, I also appreciate that it comes with a lifetime guarantee!
7: Zenjara Yoga Meditation Cushion
Overstuffed, textured, knit cotton, with a quilted mandala top? Okay, you had me at “hello.” The Zenjara Yoga Meditation Cushion can only be described as cozy! This cushion is made with all sustainable materials, and is, thankfully, packaged and shipped using no plastic at all.