A zafu is a round, firm cushion that you sit on to raise your hips above the floor. A zabuton is a flat, square or rectangular padded mat that goes underneath it, giving your knees, shins and ankles a softer surface than the bare floor. Both come from Japanese Zen practice and are traditionally used together: the zafu sits on top of the zabuton.

What you need

A zafu (round meditation cushion)
A zabuton (flat meditation mat)
A folded blanket (as an alternative to a zabuton)

Step by step

Lay the zabuton down. Place the zabuton flat on the floor in your meditation spot. It should be large enough for your knees and feet to rest on it when you sit.
Place the zafu on top. Set the zafu on the zabuton toward its back edge, so your legs can rest on the mat in front of it.
Sit on the front edge. Sit on the front third of the zafu rather than the middle, so your hips are raised and your knees can rest down toward the mat.
Choose a leg position. Sit cross-legged, or turn the zafu on its side and kneel astride it. Use whichever position you can hold comfortably.
Adjust the height. If the zafu is filled with buckwheat hulls, you can often add or remove a little filling through its zip to change the height. Kapok-filled cushions can be fluffed or compressed.
Change position whenever you need. If you feel uncomfortable, shift or stand up. There is no rule that you have to stay in one position.

Which should I buy first?

If you sit on a carpet or rug, a zafu alone is a common place to start. If you sit on a hard floor, a zabuton (or a folded blanket) underneath usually makes a bigger difference to how comfortable the seat feels. Many people end up using both.

What are they filled with?

Zafus are traditionally filled with kapok, a soft plant fibre, or with buckwheat hulls, which shift to fit the shape of the person sitting and can be adjusted. Zabutons are usually filled with cotton batting or a similar flat padding.

What about a bolster or block?

A bolster is a long, firm cushion often used for kneeling or for support in reclining poses. A cork or foam block can be used to raise the seat. Both are optional extras alongside a zafu and zabuton.

AltarWell cushions are coming soon

A zafu and a bolster are part of our upcoming meditation tools line. They are not on sale yet. See what is planned in Meditation Tools (coming soon), or join the list to hear when they arrive.

Moon phase dates

Planning a ritual around the lunar cycle? Exact new and full moon times in Central Time are listed by month. Moon phases by month · Moon phase guide

Related candles

Calm candle (White Sage & Lavender): for slow evenings and stillness.
Gratitude candle (Vanilla Bean): for counting what is good.

Candle safety basics

Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before every lighting.
Never leave a burning candle unattended, and extinguish it before you go to bed or leave the room.
Burn for no more than 4 hours at a time, then let the candle cool fully before relighting.
Place the jar on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from children, pets, drafts and anything that can catch fire.

More detail: Candle care & safety · FAQ