Zafu Question

[Bunny]

I had no idea the stools exisyed-way cool! Thanks fir sharing Heishu !

[Jishin]

I use a Seiza bench most of the time as it hurts less. The Zafu hurts more but feels more stable. I hope to increase my flexibility slowly so I can sit comfortably on a Zafu in the Burmese position some day.

Gassho, John

[Heishu]

I had no idea the stools exisyed-way cool! Thanks fir sharing Heishu !

You're welcome. When I realized I was needing to change my way of sitting I first went to the Seiza but after a few months my situation warranted another adjustment to lessen pain and now I am happy I have my rattan stool. I like that I can still sit on a zafu and also not ruin my legs. I use the mountain seat cushion to give the proper height for my legs. Someone that is not as tall would want to use a standard size cushion perhaps.

Gassho,
Heishu

[Joyo]

Again, thx everyone. So I found this on amazon.ca (Canadian) I like the green color, and it it buckwheat...any opinions on this one

http://www.amazon.ca/YogaAccessories-Round-Meditation-Cushion-Buckwheat/dp/B000MR5QDC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381166359&sr=8-1&keywords=zafu+buckwheat

treena

[Mp]

Again, thx everyone. So I found this on amazon.ca (Canadian) I like the green color, and it it buckwheat...any opinions on this one

http://www.amazon.ca/YogaAccessories-Round-Meditation-Cushion-Buckwheat/dp/B000MR5QDC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381166359&sr=8-1&keywords=zafu+buckwheat

treena

I had a buckwheat zafu at one time and it was good, but they are harder, so all depends if you would like that, or something with a little give.

Gassho
Shingen

[Joyo]

Thank you, Shingen!! Since I've got hip and back problems, I'm thinking something like buckwheat may be better. So, perhaps this is the way to go then.


Treena

[Mp]

Thank you, Shingen!! Since I've got hip and back problems, I'm thinking something like buckwheat may be better. So, perhaps this is the way to go then.


Treena

I think you might be right there Treena. I did find that with buckwheat as well and the more solid base it created allowed for that stability over longer sittings. I also use a buckwheat pillow when sleep and that is one of the things I love about it.

Gassho
Shingen

[Joyo]

Hi again everyone, another quick question. My yoga instructor just informed me that she has meditation cushions for sale!! I have sat on them before, and they are very nice. They are not zafus though. Is this adequate for my sitting?


Treena

[ZenHarmony]

Hi, Treena!

I have the same problems with my back and hips as you do, and I made my own zafu using buckwheat hulls. It could not be better and more comfortable, since you can "settle" your hips and pelvis into the zafu and it holds it stable. Have you tried sitting on these meditation cushions to see if it will support you for the duration of your sit? Only your body is going to be the deciding factor. Take care!

Gassho,

Lisa

[Jundo]

Hi again everyone, another quick question. My yoga instructor just informed me that she has meditation cushions for sale!! I have sat on them before, and they are very nice. They are not zafus though. Is this adequate for my sitting?

gassho
Treena

Hi Treena,

The butt and back are the ultimate judge!

However, many Yoga cushions I have seen are very thin. Actually, Chan sitters in China and Vietnam (and some other Rinzai folks) sit on cushions much like these, often piling two on top of each other.





Some just take a Zabuton, and double it over ... but still seems too thin and not supporting the back ...



However, I do not recommend so. My butt and back appreciate the ol' Zafu.

Gassho, J

[Joyo]

Thanks Lisa and Jundo, I bought it and it is perfect for me. I think the reason I was having pain with sitting was not so much my hips and back, as the soft pillow I was using. I now look forward to doing zazen!!!


Treena