Today the use of meditation cushions is popular and widespread, however such a thing would been unusual to an ancient Buddhist monk. In traditional Tibetan and Zen Buddhism it was not uncommon for monks to replace their mat or cushion only when it was entirely worn out, there is a tale of a Tibetan Buddhist who ended up with calluses from his meditation. Monks in many Zen monasteries meditate on hard surfaces for as long as they can tolerate it.

However many people today prefer to use a meditation cushion to create a more relaxed and more fulfilling experience. The proper name of a meditation cushion is a zafu, and they are available in all sorts of colors, shapes and sizes.

Many meditation cushions featured a raise back to promote the correct posture as well as spine lengthening. With the proper posture in place one can breathe more deeply and gain an increased range of motion and elasticity. Read the full story