Choosing the right pillow requires some research before purchase.  Of particular interest is the location in which one plans to meditate.  Surface texture determines the type of pillow needed.  Since the correct meditation cushion enhances the meditation session, it is important to choose one that fits one’s unique situation.

The very ideal of meditation is to relax and focus energy on the mind.  To do so, one must be comfortable and able to release the worries of everyday life.  Meditation cushions are key to this feeling of comfort as they are the foundation of meditation and centering the mind on relaxing through comfort.  Choosing the right meditation pillow allows maximum benefits to be reached.

The Kapok Zafu and Zabuton cushion is a two-piece set that features durability and comfort.  This is a traditional meditation pillow and is round with pleated sides.  The pillow has a convenient handle for carrying, making it a versatile choice for those who enjoy meditating in various locations.  The cushion weighs in at around 4 pounds.  Its diameter is 14 inches and is 8 inches high.  This gives this particular cushion superb support.

The companion for the cushion is a meditation mat measuring 31 inches long and 29 inches wide.  It is durable with double stitched seams.  It is also very comfortable when used during meditation.

Advantages of a Meditation Cushion

The advantages of this set include the ability to cover the meditation cushion duo as the filling is encased in a separate lining.  The set is also versatile and can be transported to any location, indoor or outdoor.

Another choice in meditation cushions is the Dream Time Perfect Balance pillow.  This pillow is filled with buckwheat hull, and contours to each individual person.  Dream time does have a carrying handle, but is not as versatile as the previously mentioned pillow.  Due to the fact that the buckwheat hulls are not encased in a separate lining inside the pillow, this pillow is recommended for those who meditate inside.  The advantage of the dream time pillow is that the amount of filling can be altered to fit individual desires.

This pillow is 6 inches tall.  The cover is made of velvet and comes in a variety of hues.  The material is silky and pliable without being hard to sit upon.  Instead, the meditation cushion contours to the body, allowing for maximum comfort.

The Hugger Mugger is considered one of the best meditation cushions available on the market today.  It is also filled with buckwheat hulls, but the comfort of the pillow during meditation is top-notch.  The size of the pillow is also a reason for its popularity.  It sits 5 inches high and has a diameter of 15 inches.  The encasing material of this pillow is cotton.  Available in a variety of hues, this pillow is recommended for longer meditation sessions.

This pillow fits almost everyone.  It can accommodate a person measuring up to 5 feet 10 inches comfortably.

Any of the above mentioned cuchions are ideal for serene meditation.  Buckwheat hulls contour the body and allow for individual adjustments.  However, two of the models are best used an indoor pillows for meditation.  Only the top choice listed in this article has the durability to become useful and outdoor meditations.  Given that, it will be necessary to decide where the majority of meditation sessions will take place.  If meditation will venture into the great outdoors, then the meditation cushion chosen will need to have the ability to be properly washed.  If meditation will occur indoors only, then washing may not be top on the priority list.

When choosing a meditation pillow there are several things that need to be taken into consideration before making your purchase.  One of the things that you’ll want to pay attention to is where you primarily will do your meditation.  The biggest thing you’ll want to consider here is whether you’ll be on a hard surface or if you’ll be outside on the grass or somewhere that won’t be as hard as wood or concrete.

Choosing the proper meditation pillow will enhance your meditation sessions considerably.  If you’re not comfortable while you’re meditating then you’re likely to be more focused on your discomfort than you will your actual meditation.

3. Kapok Zafu and Zabuton Cushion Set

The Kapok Zafu and Zabuton cushion set isn’t a bad choice.  It’s a two piece meditation cushion set that is both durable and comfortable.  The zafu is much like a traditional meditation cushion and is round with pleated sides.  The cushions are double stitched for durability and both come with a carrying handle.  The zafu is 14 inches in diameter and 8 inches high, which offers a great deal of support.  It also weighs in at just over four pounds making it the heaviest on the market.  Its fill material is kapok which is a great stuffing for meditation pillows.

One of the good things about this set is that it is a set, which gives you the option of using the zafu or the zabuton.  The zabuton, like the zafu, is filled with kapok and provides solid support while still being soft and comfortable.  The cover is made of heavy duty material and has a zipper down one side so that you can take the cover off for washing, while the kapok stays inside a lining within.  The zabuton measures 31 inches long and 29 inches wide, and fits people up to 5 feet 10 inches tall. Kapok Zafu, Zabuton and Support Meditation Cushion Set (3pc)

2. Dream Time Perfect Balance Zafu Cushion

The Dream Time Perfect Balance Zafu Cushion is another good choice.  It’s just the one meditation cushion but is very nice.  Its filling is made up of buckwheat hull that forms to the natural curves of your body when you sit on it and offers the support that you need to meditate in comfort.  The Dream Time zafu has got a zipper on the side, however it is for adding or removing some of the buckwheat hulls and they’re not in an inner casing.  The zipper is located just under the handle, which makes it easy for carrying around with you, or just moving it from room to room.

Sitting six inches tall, it is almost the perfect height for your meditation practices, or whatever your restful activity might be.  The cover is made of velvet and comes in sage, lavender, or cranberry.  It’s slippery enough that you can adjust your position while you’re sitting, but not so much that you will find yourself slipping off the side of it.  You do want to be careful with this one since because of the buckwheat hulls you can’t wash this meditation pillow, so you may just want to use it for indoor meditations. DreamTime Perfect Balance Zafu Cushion, Sage Brocade Blossom

1. Hugger Mugger Zafu Meditation Pillow

The Hugger Mugger zafu is one of the best meditation pillows out there on the market.  One sit on the Hugger Mugger and you’ll understand why.  This comfortable meditation cushion is filled with buckwheat hulls which makes it supportive while being comfortable.  It sits 5 inches high and is 15 inches in diameter which makes it a good size for almost anyone.  It’s covered with a cotton cover and has a zipper also for removing some of the buckwheat hulls in case it’s too full and therefore uncomfortable.

The Hugger Mugger meditation pillow comes in black, olive, pumpkin, curry or plum to suit your tastes.  It has pleated sides and provides the support that you need during your meditation sessions.  It comes with a handle as well, which makes it easy to take with you anywhere that you want to go to meditate.  The buckwheat hulls are resilient and won’t collapse under your weight which is important if you choose to do more lengthy meditations.  With this particular zafu it can’t be washed so it might be a good idea to use this one indoors, unless you’ve got a clean place outside to do it where it won’t get too dirty. Hugger Mugger Zafu

Any of these meditation pillows would be a good choice and it will depend largely on personal preference as to which one you should choose for yourself.  Make sure to take into account where you’ll use your meditation pillow and what your specific needs are as well as where you intend on doing most of your meditating.

Why would we buy a meditation pillow?  We have found that Amazon.com has the best prices, selection, informative customer reviews and most of the time offers free shipping!

Beginners should always meditate when the mind is calm and at ease. You know how disturbing thoughts can easily affect your state of mind and body. It defeats the purpose of meditation when you have a lot of things going into your mind and you start meditating. It is also unfruitful to meditate after a tiring day from work. If you plan to, be sure to take a nap before doing so to free your mind from any disturbing thoughts.

Minimize of totally eliminate some sources of distraction. Music, loud speakers, and noises can be a source of distraction. Meditate in a room that has a good air circulation, not to warm and not too cold. In addition, it is advisable to eat after the meditation process because a full stomach can slow down your mental processes and can make your sleepy.

For your meditation position, you can sit in a stool or sofa, or even lie on your back but you have to make sure to be as comfortable as you can get. It makes a lot of sense to use a lot of pillows and soft mattresses to make you more comfortable. Remember that the mind can relax easier when the body is also relaxed.

You are not required to meditate for hours. It is advisable to take a little break and do some stretching from time to time. It is very important to keep yourself comfortable while meditating. You can meditate early in the morning or late at night as long as you have a calm mind and body.

These are just some of the things that you have to bear in mind when starting your meditation activities. It is more worthwhile and more productive when you are doing it the right way.

Technique #1

Zen meditation is a technique is the most popular or most commonly used meditation technique. Its position depicts the silent Buddha in cross sitting position with eyes wide open. This is the most default position of everyone who doesn’t know how to meditate and which technique to follow. This technique is silent and will lead you to a number of benefits. It will allow you to free your mind from unwanted thoughts and stressful day. This technique will also help you to be wiser and to feel everything around you. This will lead you to be a more compassionate human being.

Technique #2

Concentration is another form of meditation technique. This type of meditation requires a lot of mind focus. It is done by focusing your attention in a darkened room with a candle flame in the middle of it. The challenge here is to concentrate on the after image of the flame when you close your eyes. This will allow stillness and presence of mind as long as strengthening your power to concentrate.

Technique #3

So Hum Mantra is most commonly used in India for centuries now. This is a very effective way of healing the heart. If you are into hatred, bitterness, loneliness, or depression, this meditation technique is the right one for you. Any negative emotions you have will be eliminated by freeing your mind from any unwanted thoughts and connecting your mind to your divine nature. This meditation process will heal all the wounds in your heart and will leave you to accept the facts of life. This has been considered as one of the most powerful mediation techniques because it can give you all the benefits of the Zen and Concentration techniques.

There are other meditation techniques derived from these three basic techniques. These are just the major things that you might want to consider when dealing with your own meditation practices.  Having the proper meditation pillow will drastically improve your session.

Keep in mind that Zafu pillows and cushions are sold in many different sizes and shapes. Most of the meditation pillows are made out of buckwheat hulls. Buckwheat is used inside the pillow to support the head and neck. You can use the Zafu pillow in many different positions for meditation. The Burmese position is done by crossing the legs and positioning the feet flat on the floor.

Zafu pillows are durable and comfortable for anyone that wants to use them for meditation and other reasons. Some are sold as a set which may include the Zabuton and Zafu. The Zabuton kapok gives good support and can be removed if it needs to be washed. There are Zafu meditation pillows that are suited for short term meditation and long periods of meditation.

If you are on a budget, you can use any pillow to meditate. Where you plan to mediate is important because grass and soil does make a difference. Using a Zafu pillow on grass or soil will require you to obtain one that can be washed in a washing machine. A two-story Zafu pillow is used for hard surfaces such as wood and concrete. It is always a good idea to test the Zafu pillow before you make the purchase.

Finally, the Zafu meditation pillow that you select should be able to support your weight and back comfortably. Do not forget to contact friends and family members and ask them which Zafu meditation pillows work the best.