Buckwheat Zafu and Zabuton Meditation Cushion Set (2pc)

Pros:Very sturdyVery comfortableImmediate improvement in posture and comfort during meditationAttractive (I purchased the olive color)Cons:May seem expensivePossible height restriction* (I am 5'10" and, like other reviewers, my knees fit just inside the zabuton)I am a new student to the world of Taoism, Zen, Buddhism, and mindfulness meditation. Like many, I am striving to master the "Full Lotus" position to enhance my hip flexibility and stability during meditation. I started with the "Quarter Lotus" position using a pillow (or nothing). While I was able to find a comfortable position eventually, I spent a lot of my preset meditation time struggling to find proper posture/comfort (Not an obstacle you want to deal with when you're trying to battle your monkey mind!).This product immediately changed that struggle. Upon my first sitting in the cushion, I was able to switch to "Half Lotus" both comfortably and instantly. The zafu (circular cushion) is stiff and provides a strong base for your butt and lower spine. I finally feel like I am able to keep my spine straight and "stack the vertebrae" without struggle. The zabuton (large base) offers a reference point and support for your knees. Since I'm a beginner without an instructor, it took me awhile to realize that in the 'lotus' positions you are leaning forward and dispersing your weight evenly amongst the base of your knees, legs, and butt. (As opposed to hunching back and putting all of your weight on your butt and lower back). Regarding the quality, the zafu was much stiffer than I had expected, but this is a good thing! (As mentioned above, it provides a very sturdy base for you) The zabuton is very comfortable on the knees and provides a very secure sense of stability. Both cushions appear very well crafted and don't show any signs of cheap production.A fellow reviewer was hesitant about purchasing, for the eastern mindset promotes modesty and he/she was concerned about the cost of the product. While I mostly agree with that notion, I feel that this is a worthy investment. I do not think you will need to purchase a new zafu/zabuton for many years (if ever.)In conclusion, this is a great product and I highly recommend it to any meditation/yoga practitioner regardless of your level of experience. If you are a beginner, this will be a game changer for you (especially if you've never used one before!)-Patrick*It is worth noting that if you are above the 5'10" threshold, the zafu will still work great for you, but you may want to invest in a larger zabuton (or no zabuton at all). The zabuton may seem more copacetic, but the zafu is where 95% of the benefit is.

I use these daily and keep them set aside until needed. They are easy to move to where I use them, and the zafu is solid and great to sit on. The mat is large enough for my cat to sit on with me when she wants to join me when I meditate.

I looked at many zafus and zabutons online. This brand was reasonably priced. Given that it was not on the expensive side, I was pleasantly surprised at the great quality. The fabric is kind of a twill, durable yet soft. The workmanship is what really impresses me. The zipper in the zabuton is expertly sewn in and hidden. The handle on the zafu is so well concealed (it blends in with the pleats) that I thought they left if off, and I contacted them to see if there was a mistake. They were very responsive and courteous to my inquiry. The handle is there--I just couldn't see it.As others have said, the buckwheat zafu is on the hard side. I haven't been ambitious enough to remove any of the filling. Some reviewers stated that the zafu is too high and the zabuton not big enough. You can always position the zafu BEHIND the zabuton rather than on it. This way there is less of a height difference AND you have the whole expanse of zabuton for your legs. With this approach, my former boyfriend (6'1'' with long legs) fit very comfortably.I bought the rust color and the photo captures it perfectly.... very attractive and subtle enough for meditation.

I'd been wanting one of these since seeing them at my meditation group. Finally I treated myself at Christmas and I am SO pleased.The hight of the cusion is quite high which for me is essential for comfort. The buckwheat is packed very firmly and so far has not compacted enough to affect the firmness or height. It isn't so firm as to be uncomfortable, it's just supportive and molds to your rear.The lower cusion is large enough to easily accommodate my folded legs, however I sit. I'm 5'6" but it could easily fit a taller person too.The round cushion fits in a large messenger bag and the square cusion I fold when I go to group meditations. It's not the easiest pair to transport but I don't do it often. The high quality is a fair trade off.The color swatches that are seen in the final pictures are true to color. The colors look different in the other images so you should select your color based on the close up swatch. I chose cinnamon and it is exactly what I expected.This set has made sitting much more pleasant. It is well worth the money.

I did a lot of research on which zafu and zabuton to purchase for my meditation room. I finally decided on this one because of the excellent reviews and the color. Since purchasing, I have used the cushions consistently in my meditation practice and are pleased with them. They are both comfortable and durable.

First, this set is amazing perfect fabulous. I looked everywhere for an adjustable buckwheat zafu with a KAPOK zabuton, and this is exactly why: comfortable, firm, high quality. I prefer to sit with the zafu beside the zabuton instead of on top for less distance between knees and hips, if you're less flexible go ahead and stick it on top!Now, the warning: if you are ordering internationally, YOU WILL PAY DOUBLE. Shipping to Canada (Canada! No flying required!) cost $70.00 USD, and then an additional $30 CAD was charged at customs on the way in (after they held it at the border for a week). If I had known this would cost me around $220.00 CAD from the start, I would have looked elsewhere before falling in love with this set.Now that I have it, I am so happy, but if it weren't for a friend offering to split the cost as a birthday gift to me, the total cost would have been prohibitive.But also, holy moly, this is the best zafu and zabuton you will find!