Zabuton

Boost your poses to new levels

A zabuton is a flat, large rectangular cushion (that measures about 27-inches x 30-inches x 2-inches). Zabutons are placed under a zafu cushion or meditation bench to pad your knees, feet and ankles, as well as to insulate your body from a cold, hard floor while you sit lotus style during meditation. Most zabutons are filled with natural cotton batting, and covered with tufted cotton canvas. This provides soft yet lofty comfort.

As a meditation cushion, zabutons are big and thick enough to support most people sitting on them. They not only offer support for your hips, but are also used to perform yoga asanas (the postures of Hatha yoga). For example, when performing a Shoulderstand pose, you can fold the zabuton up to give your upper spine extra strength. Similarly for a Corpse pose, a zabuton can be placed underneath your back to let you open your chest completely to breathe more effectively. Rolled-up zabutons can make for wonderful bolsters to allow extended height.

As one zabuton can be used to perform so many postures, some manufactures have designed an “all-in-one zabuton” for easy storing and folding. These have a few attached straps on one side of the zabuton, so that when you fold it to the size you need, the straps on the back tie together to ensure the shape. These straps are also ideal for you to use as carrying straps.

Since the zabuton is always placed directly on the floor for meditation, it’s very easy to get dusty and stained. For this reason, zabutons with removable cotton covers are more popular. The cover can be removed and cleaned simply. Zabutons are priced according to size - from $40 to $50 online.