As meditation practice grows around the world, more people are asking questions about everything from what meditation is to what props are needed to practice it. One common question is whether spending money on meditation props is necessary. Is buying a meditation cushion worth it? Let’s look at the most important factors to consider.
Do I Need a Meditation Cushion?
Probably, yes. Because of our interest in meditation, we’ve likely come across images of a Guru meditating in a cave, sitting on nothing more than a bare rock or a thatched rug. This image invokes different thoughts for different people. Some may think that meditating on a rock is the only path to enlightenment. Others may see it as extreme and not necessary for the average person. The point is that our first exposure to meditation can shape certain impressions — but what we observe about someone else’s practice is mainly true for them. What we need for ourselves will likely be somewhat different.
Since most of us are modern people accustomed to cushioned chairs and physical comforts, we will likely benefit from meditation cushions to support us. Another question worth considering is whether we will commit to a regular practice. We don’t question buying a table and chairs for dining because we’re committed to eating meals in a somewhat formal setting. Will we make the same commitment to meditation? Buying a cushion can help — seeing it in its resting place will call to us, “Come and meditate.”
How Do Meditation Cushions Help?
Meditation is a practice of the mind, and since the mind resides in the body, the two are linked. There is nothing wrong with being physically comfortable during meditation — though we don’t want to fall asleep. The body should remain engaged. Meditation cushions help achieve both comfort and alertness. The traditional Zafu helps achieve an alert yet comfortable upright posture. The traditional Zabuton cushions the legs, knees, ankles, and feet from hard flooring. Newer designs like the Cosmic Cushion provide additional support, especially for aging bodies or those with back, hip, knee, or foot concerns.
In general, cushions like the Zafu, Cosmic Cushion, Heavenly Buckwheat Bean, and Rectangular Meditation Cushion elevate the sit bones so the legs can comfortably bend into a cross-legged posture. This lift ensures the knees are level with or slightly lower than the hips, encouraging the lower back to curve naturally into an “S” shape — allowing the spine to hold the upper body upright without straining the back muscles. A meditation bench can also be used for a kneeling posture, which is more active but equally supportive of spinal alignment.
Can I Meditate Without a Meditation Cushion?
Though Sage Meditation is a business, we don’t want you to buy a cushion unnecessarily. You can begin with folded blankets, a rolled towel, stacked pillows, a comfortable chair, or a short wooden stool. A stack of pillows on a folded blanket will roughly emulate a Zafu and Zabuton set. Find a quiet space, set up your makeshift cushions, and begin meditating.
One place we always caution against is meditating on the same bed where you sleep. One of two things will happen: you’ll fall asleep during meditation because that’s what you normally do there, or you’ll have trouble sleeping at night because you’ve now associated the space with staying awake. Do not meditate on your bed.
If you have sewing skills, search for “meditation cushion pattern” online and you’ll find tutorials, videos, and even a Simplicity sewing pattern for making your own cushions. Those with the talent know that making things yourself can save a lot of money.
Why Are Meditation Cushions So Expensive?
High-quality meditation cushions like the ones we offer at Sage Meditation are hand cut, sewn, and stuffed — not made on an assembly line. Each cushion is made with care by experienced hands, and we don’t let anything leave our facility that doesn’t meet our quality standards.
We are also a small company operating in a still-niche market. When shopping online, it’s worth taking a moment to research the seller. Visit the website’s Contact page and look for a physical address, phone number, and email. Understanding where a product is made and who stands behind it can help you make a more informed purchase decision and set appropriate expectations for quality and customer service.
Conclusion
If you plan to commit to a meditation practice and want good results from your daily sessions, a meditation cushion or some form of support is essential. We’ve been making meditation cushions for more than 20 years, and you can expect high-quality craftsmanship from Sage Meditation. It is possible to make your own cushions if you have the skills — but if cutting, sewing, and stuffing isn’t your forte, buying one is your best option. When shopping, take a moment to consider the materials used, where the cushion is made, and who is selling it before making your decision.
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