meditation cushions

[PapaDoc]

I guess I could have put this on the "uncomfortable" thread but decided to do it specifically to my concern. I am 6'4" and find most postures difficult. During my 20+ years of centering prayer, I have mostly relied on chairs. Wanting to try this Eastern tradition of sitting zazen, I am wanting to try the sitting posture on. The other comments on comfort, or lack there of it, was helpful. I was wondering what advice you might give me on cushions, what and where to buy. Thanks for any advice.
David aka PapaDoc

[paige]

Hi PapaDoc,

I'm only 5'2" so I'm not sure how useful my advice would be!

I have a kapok zafu and zabuton, I'm very happy with them (though most of the time I only use the zabuton). The other common zafu filling I've seen is buckwheat hulls, I prefer kapok.

I know a few people who've recommended buying online from http://zafu.net/, they have larger cushions for people 6' and up. I got mine online as well, but from a Canadian store http://www.pemadesign.com/. I don't know how much extra you'd have to pay for US shipping, but I was quite pleased with the product & service.

Also, a friend of mine builds seiza benches for himself and a local temple - I can probably get him to send me the instructions and post/PM them along if anyone's interested. (I know that seiza isn't a DSI endorsed posture though!)

[will]

I made mine. Not very difficult. Lot's of info on the net.

Here's one site:

http://www.enabling.org/ia/vipassana/Ar ... tions.html

Gassho Will

[Jundo]

Hi David,

Zen Mountain Monastery has a couple of very original Zafu, such as the "Mountain Seat" and the "Kabu." I have absolutely no experience with these, so cannot personally offer an opinion. However, they do look interesting, and you may want to call them or drop an email and see what they advise.

http://www.dharma.net/monstore/index.php?cPath=104

Let us know.

I may have mentioned that, since I did most of my training in Japan, there "one size fits all" of both Zafus and sitting positions. For the most part, you use the Zafu you are given. You sit like other folks are sitting. It is only in the West that someone would think to make a "better mousetrap" Zafu. I am sure someone sells one with a built in massage function, reclining with real leather covering.

Gassho, J

[Ryumon]

Yea, but, we're taller. I'm 6' tall, and I find that a well-stuffed zafu makes a big difference compared to another one I have that's rather soft. It means less back pain, and more sitting.

Kirk

[will]

Yeah. I'm 6'1. I use a cushion with my zafu. It works alright. No extra cushion = no knees on the ground (or definitely not comfortable). The idea is to sit comfortably for long periods with spine straight and stable. No?

However, it needs time too. I remember when sitting burmese was unthinkable (as I type this I'm sitting in burmese and sit quarter lotus sometimes).

BTW: If your zafu is too squishy just add some more kapok. You can buy it at upholsters I think.

Gassho

[Martin]

Yes, like Will and PapaDoc I'm over 6 foot and my knees won't touch the ground unless I have cushions under the zafu. And like Will it took me ages to get to the point when my knees "dropped" to the ground.

Gassho

Martin

[PapaDoc]

Thanks to everyones' encouragement and understanding. I am especially thankful to Martin for the encouragement, hoping my knees will drop one day......perhaps a sign of the end times!
Thanks again,
David aka Papadoc

[Gregor]

There's a hole in my zafu. It's hemorrhaging buckwheat all over the zabuton.

"A needle & thread, a needle & thread, my kingdom for a needle and thread"

[Kevin]

Side-a-long Zafu?

I took the introductory meditiation "course" at the local Zen center about five years ago, and they had me turn my zafu on its side. I'm 6'3", and this made a huge difference for me in making zazen more comfortable. Now that I'm getting a regular practice, I've been experimenting with various positions, configurations, etc. Having the zafu on its side is still the most comfortable for me, though that may change if my flexibility improves.

Is there anything "wrong" with putting the zafu on its side to sit?

[oxeye]

i bought a buckwheat sleep pillow on ebay and then dumped it all into a canvas tote with handy handles. it is higher than most other zafus and i can take it anywhere without having to explain what it is.

[helena]

Kevin, you are a genius! I tried the zafu-on-the-side thing, and that works so much better than anything I tried before. I can now actually comfortably sit in burmese. Thank you!

--Helena

[paige]

Wow, you guys make me feel tiny!

[Justin]

Wow, you guys make me feel tiny!

Me too! I feel like I'm surrounded by giants...

Gassho

[Gregor]

Ho ho ho! Green Giant!