Honestly, there are really no "supplies" necessary to practice meditation when you come right down to it. While it is important to sit on something to elevate the pelvis and allow the knees and legs to form a solid tripod base on the ground for sitting meditation (as Patrick describes in the video on the "Instruction" page), this can be accomplished with just about anything -- a rolled up blanket, towel, or firm pillow, for instance. There are, however, these neat little cushions called "zafu" that one can find in various places, links to which are provided below. In addition to that, if you tend to meditate on a surface that is rough or hard, something under the zafu to cushion the feet/ankles/legs is useful as well. That also has a name -- a "zabuton". In addition to zafu and zabuton, you'll find many other accouterments at these web sites intended to deepen your meditation practice. But remember, the key is to keep it simple. Less is more. Sure, the nice scent of "Kyoto leaves" incense burning in the room while you meditate may induce you to think you are sitting in the Zendo at Kenin-ji temple, but none of that is really important. The only thing that matters is what is . . . here . . . now . . . and in the present - wherever that may be. Speaking of Japanese Zen Temples . . . here are some photos I have taken during several of my visits to Kyoto . . . |