Zabuton – Zazen large meditation cushion

A zabuton is a Japanese cushion for sitting.

Although also a utilitarian accessory, it is best known for its use in Zazen Zen meditation.

This larger style Zabuton means more support for all sitting practices plus supported back bending.

Zabuton is written in Japanese using the characters for sit (座 za) and futon (布団), a thick floor mattress. Essentially, a zabuton is a futon reserved for sitting!

Zabuton started as small square rugs placed on the tatami to sit on. It was during the Edo period of the 17th to 19th centuries, that tailors started to fill them with cotton padding for comfort and created the more familiar, and luxurious, cushions we use today.