Zafu. Zen meditation cushion

What is a zafu?

The zafu is a meditation cushion traditionally used in the practice of zazen, which is the seated meditation of Zen Buddhism. This cushion is an essential element for Zen practitioners because it provides stable and comfortable support for sitting during prolonged periods of meditation.

Characteristics of the Zafu cushion

Shape and size:
The zafu usually has a round shape and is designed to slightly raise the hips, helping to create a stable and comfortable posture. This supports keeping the spine upright and allows for smoother, more natural breathing.

Filling material:
Traditionally, the cushion is filled with kapok, a soft natural fiber obtained from the fruit of the Ceiba pentandra, a tropical tree. This material is lightweight yet provides good support, allowing the cushion to adapt to the shape of the body.

Origin of the Zafu cushion

The zafu cushion originated in China, where it was used by Buddhist monks for meditation. It was later adopted by Zen Buddhism in Japan, where it became a fundamental element of zazen practice. The word zafu comes from Japanese: za means “to sit,” and fu refers to a type of plant that was originally used as filling, although over time kapok became the most common material.

Importance in Zen Practice

In zazen practice, maintaining proper posture during meditation is essential to allow deep, continuous breathing and to prevent distractions. The zafu helps achieve this by providing the necessary height so that the legs can be crossed comfortably and the spine can align correctly.

Which size is right for me?

There are several factors to consider when choosing the most suitable zafu cushion size. We currently offer two sizes:

Standard size: for people who usually wear sizes S to L

Large size: for people who usually wear size XL and above

Zen Shop for Members

At present, the shop is a service available only to Zen Kannon members. You can find more information about how to become a member here: how to become a member.

Shop Hours

The Zen shop has limited opening hours. It opens 30 minutes before each meditation and closes 15 minutes before the meditation begins, meaning it is open for only 15 minutes. If you would like to order or reserve an item, please use the form below.

Reserve your zafu cushion in the Zen shop