Zafu

[Dokan]

Re: Zafu

I used the Michigan Buddhist instructions as well to make one for my shakuhachi playing. It was pretty easy and came out nicely:



Only thing to note is that one of their measurements seems off. The legs they have listed as being 14.5 but in reality are only 13 (5.75 + 7.25).

Good luck!

[Shugen]

Zafu

Mine's not nearly as pretty as Shawn's! (But it works) :-)

Ron

[Risho]

Re: Zafu

Wow Shawn, that looks sweet!

[Amelia]

Re: Zafu

I've been itching to try a seiza bench for some weeks now. I think I have enough scrap wood around... 8) Easier for me to build than a zafu at this time...

[Dokan]

Re: Re: Zafu

I've been itching to try a seiza bench for some weeks now. I think I have enough scrap wood around... 8) Easier for me to build than a zafu at this time...

Yeah was basically a 2x8 piece of wood with six screws and some wood glue. Spent most of the time sanding and staining. I also sewed a thin cushion for the top.

Really like the body position for playing.

Gassho and thanks!

S

Sent from my SGH-I897 using Tapatalk

[Amelia]

Re: Zafu

A guilty pleasure of mine is sitting with no cushion. My body loves it. I feel sturdy, straight and still this way. Many advise finding "the sweet spot". My sweet spot is no cushion, lotus, half lotus or Burmese. I think I could sit for a long time on any surface with just my butt... but the moment I bring a zafu into things, it gets complicated for me.

[murasaki]

Re: Zafu

Amelia, I'm the same way, almost. Zafu are always way too high, and my legs seem to fall asleep worse than other ways I sit.

I usually sit on a folded blanket, just flat on it. Cushioning, but no hip elevation. It might not be as good for my back, but I really can't stand how badly my legs fall asleep. I can never get up and do kinhin along with everyone afterwards, when I am in a group sit.

Maybe I just have bad circulation, but I am convinced something about the cushion makes it worse; maybe it presses on a certain point, I don't know. Do you have this problem, is that why you like to sit flat?

[Shokai]

Re: Zafu

Doesn't matter what you sit on as long as you make a tripod of tail bone, left and right knees with the straight spine at a right angle to the floor; perhaps even more importantly, hold a nice round mudra with thumbs slightly touching to remind yourself of the wholeness

[Kaishin]

Re: Zafu

How does the person with no arms or legs sit zazen?

[Amelia]

Re: Zafu

Amelia, I'm the same way, almost. Zafu are always way too high, and my legs seem to fall asleep worse than other ways I sit.

I usually sit on a folded blanket, just flat on it. Cushioning, but no hip elevation. It might not be as good for my back, but I really can't stand how badly my legs fall asleep. I can never get up and do kinhin along with everyone afterwards, when I am in a group sit.

Maybe I just have bad circulation, but I am convinced something about the cushion makes it worse; maybe it presses on a certain point, I don't know. Do you have this problem, is that why you like to sit flat?

Sometimes, I do have that problem, and it does happen more often when I'm elevated. Mostly, I like to sit flat because it seems to make it so I have to put less effort into sitting up straight, even though my knees are elevated as opposed to anchored on the ground. I am practicing more with cushions, though, just to make a practice out of the resisting it, and to see if I eventually get used to it. That's why I want to try a bench, maybe it will solve my problem.

[ChrisA]

Re: Zafu

Thanks to this topic -- and to rewatching Taigu's excellent video on the subject -- I tried tweaking my zafu arrangement for my 200 lb/6 foot 1 inch form, turning the buckwheat zafu I have on its side. It is an immediately apparent improvement: since doing it I've maintained my half-lotus with no discomfort or fidgeting for a good 20-30 minutes. That'll change, no doubt, but the little tweak has really helped.

I also purchased a zabuton to replace a small cushion I had been using, and ordered a "jumbo" one just in case. Good thing: I clearly need the entire expanse of the zabuton.

Gassho, everyone!

[Hogen]

Re: Zafu

I think I found my "one ring to rule them all" cushion

The Seifu!!!!






100 beans, though. gotta put it on my list.

[Shokai]

Re: Zafu

Awesome beauty; I think it's going on my list tooo :lol: