Review: Samadhi Cushions Buckwheat Pillbox Zafu

This is the first in my series of reviews of meditation related products.  Is this overly materialistic for a meditation themed blog?  Probably, but there’s nothing wrong with a comfortable cushion or a reliable timer (as long as you’re putting in those long hours of practice).

I am not flexible.  I’m talking specifically about my body, though I’m sure I have some issues with my personality too.  Because I tend to favor sitting on the floor in postures like Burmese, half lotus, and tailors’, the only way I can keep my knees down with my stiff hips is with a cushion.  Up until now, I’ve been using my trusty Samadhi Cushions standard kapok filled zafu, and though I regularly knead the cushion back into shape, it’s not quite as high as it used to be.  I was considering purchasing a kapok recharge from Samadhi Cushions, but while looking around their website I noticed their Buckwheat Pillbox Zafu currently $49, plus shipping.

See, no pleats. But there is a very nice handle.

What makes this one so special is the shape. Buckwheat hulls are great for zafus because they conform to your shape while also giving firm support.  The problem occurs when the hulls are placed in a regular zafu structure because regular zafus have pleating that allows the buckwheat hulls to expand into the pleats while slipping out from under your seat.  Samadhi Cushions pillbox shape has no pleats, so there’s nowhere for the hulls to go.  The zafu keeps its shape, I keep my sitting height, and my hips get a break.

The cushion  is well designed and meticulously constructed.  The included soft cotton cover with handle is available is a decent array of standard colors, and if you’re purchasing for a center, custom colors and color combinations can be ordered for an additional fee. The cover is removable, zippered, and washable, and the buckwheat hulls are contained within a stitched fabric housing so this no concern about spilling the hulls all over when it’s time to wash the cover.

Notice the cover's sturdy zipper that give you access to the hull's casing.

I’ve been using it for the last couple of days, and I’ve found it exceptionally comfortable.  It consistently provides just the right amount of loft that I can sit for extended periods without feeling the need to adjust the cushion to get additional height.

I don’t hesitate to recommend this product to you, and give it 5 out of 5…actually I don’t have a rating system yet, but if you think of anything clever, please let me know.

P.S.  Overall, I think Samadhi Cushion products are outstanding with one exception.  Their standard zabuton is small at 27″ by 33″.  They state on their website that it will fit most users, but I’m 5’8″ and I find it difficult to fit comfortably on this cushion in Burmese or half-lotus positions.  I have to hang my zafu half off of the back of the zabuton to give myself enough room to lower my knees on the zabuton and not the bare floor.  I would suggest getting the unfortunately named Jumbo Zabuton, 30″ by 33″, which is still an inch or two smaller on each side than other companies’ offerings.  This is not to that Samadhi Cushions’ zabutons are not comfortable.  They provide a very soft, almost plush sitting surface that will keep your knees and ankles protected from the hard floor.

Pros:

• Sturdy construction
• Pillbox structure that allow for stable height across time
• Good zipper placement allows for easy access to the inside of the cushion for easy hull replacement

Note:  I did not receive any promotional consideration for this review. If you are a vendor who would like a review, please feel free to contact me through the comments section.