Make your own Zafu (cushion for zazen meditation)
In 1975, as I was starting out with Zen meditation, my friend made me a Zafu, or cushion for sitting Zazen. She was an experienced seamstress, and so was able to interpret the partially erroneous instructions provided in Approach to Zen by Kosho Uchiyama Roshi (p. 86). 38 years later this cushion finally came apart, after many attempts at mending it, and I realized that I need to make another one. Since at best I am an amateur in sewing, I proceeded largely through trial and error. In the hope of simplifying the task for others, I am offering the following detailed instructions. Finished product. This Zafu is fairly large and plump, for a somewhat tall person weighing 195 lbs. – smaller people can scale down. Dimensions and material It is made from 2 circles 15½ in. diameter each, and a band 9½” wide, 100” long. This band is pleated so that 1½” of cloth is hidden for each 3” of band (see the 2 images). It is best to use cloth which is not smooth, such ...