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{{short description|Cushion for sitting often associated with meditation}}
{{Italic title|reason=[[:Category:Japanese words and phrases]]}}
[[Image:Zafu.jpg|thumb|right|A typical [[Kapok fibre|kapok]]-filled ''zafu'']]

A '''''zafu''''' ({{langx|ja|座蒲}}, {{IPA|ja|d͡zaɸɯ|pron}}) or '''''putuan''''' ({{zh|c=蒲团}}, <small>pronounced</small> {{IPAc-cmn|p|u|2|.|t|uan|2}}) is a round [[cushion]]. Although also a utilitarian accessory, it is  best known for its use in [[zazen]] [[Zen]] [[meditation]].

==Name==
Although ''zafu'' is often translated as "sewn seat" in American English, the meaning of the Japanese [[kanji]], {{lang|ja|座蒲}}, is different. ''Za'' ({{lang|ja|座}}) means "seat", and ''fu'' ({{lang|ja|蒲}}) means [[reedmace]] (cattail, ''[[Typha]]'' spp.). A ''zafu'' is a seat stuffed with the fluffy, soft, downy fibres of the disintegrating reedmace seed heads. The Japanese zafu originates in China, where these meditation seats were originally filled with reedmace down.

The words ''[[zabuton]]'', ''zafuton'' and ''[[futon]]'' are closely linked.  The word ''[[zazen]]'' meaning "seated meditation" or "sitting meditation" is also closely linked. In western usage, ''zafu'' refers to a meditation cushion, and ''zabuton'' refers to the cushioned mat upon which a zafu is placed.

==Construction==
Typical zafus are  about {{Convert|35|cm|0}} in diameter,<ref>''[http://www.dogensangha.org.uk/IBPZ/IBPZ-English.pdf Introduction to Buddhism and the Practice of Zazen]'', page 14</ref> and often about {{Convert|20|cm|0}} high when fluffed. Contemporary zafus are sewn from three pieces of heavy cloth, usually colored black: two round swatches of equal size for the top and the bottom of the cushion, and a long rectangle that is sewn into gathers in between. They are typically filled with either [[Ceiba pentandra|kapok]] (a fluffy plant fibre, similar to Typha) or [[buckwheat]] hulls. [[Zen]] [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] practitioners traditionally sit on a zafu when engaged in [[zazen|sitting meditation]]. The cushion raises the hips, making the entire range of cross-legged sitting positions more stable for the meditator.

==Use in zazen==
[[Image:zabutonstore.jpg|thumb|right|A typical [[Kapok fibre|kapok]]-filled [[zabuton]]]]

Before and after practicing [[zazen]], Zen practitioners perform a [[Glossary of Buddhism#G|gassho]] bow to the zafu, to fellow practitioners, and to the teacher. In many practice places, there is a prescribed form for respectfully handling zafu while walking in the meditation hall, or [[zendo]].

A [[zabuton]] ({{langx|ja|座布団}}, {{IPA|ja|d͡zabɯtoɴ|}}) is a rectangular cushion, about {{Convert|76|cm|0}} by {{Convert|71|cm|0}}, that is often used under a zafu cushion to provide comfort and support when engaged in zazen.  The outer cover is typically made of a heavy duty fabric and has a zipper along one side so that it can be easily removed and washed. Inside the cover, the batting is enclosed in a natural cotton casing.

==See also==
* [[Meditative postures]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Buddhism topics}}
{{Japanese architectural elements}}

[[Category:Zazen]]
[[Category:Zen]]

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