There are four types of meditation cushions in use at the Shambhala Centre and a number of meditaton benches. When you come to the centre to practice it is not generally necessary to bring your own cushions, unless you have special needs or a particular cushion you are attached to.

For sitting meditation at home or elsewhere you may wish to acquire cushions for yourself. All the cushions that we use come from Samadhi Cushions in Vermont, and from Drala Books & Gifts in Halifax. We have found local sources for some items.

ZABUTON: The base mat.(Japanese for "floor cushion" It measures 32" x 30" x 4-1/2”. Most local futon companies could make these. Futon Boutique has made these for us in the past. Zabutons from Drala cost Cdn $67 + taxes & shipping. Samadhi Cushions zabutons start at US $50 + taxes, duty and shipping (2007 prices)

GOMDEN: The rectangular block on top of the zabuton, designed by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche especially for Western practictioners. We get the foams cut locally in batches of 10 at VitaFoam Products on Annacis Island. They measure 18" x 12-1/2" x 6", and are made of 2848 #2 foam. The foam is available at the centre and costs $18 each(contact Geoff Bannoff.) This foam is 80% lighter than the “8# rebond” foam we used to purchase from Viatafoam. It is also 20% cheaper.

Gomden covers all come from Samadhi Cushions. Covers cost US$25 each, plus about US $4 shipping (parcel post) with a choice of colours. These are also available from Drala for Cdn $40 +taxes & shipping. We have already imported some cushion covers from Samadhi Cushions. Current cost is Cdn $41 (including taxes). Email Geoff for currently available colours.

ZAFU: Some people prefer this round cushion. Banyen Books sometimes sells these, and they have been seen at various yoga supply stores. Drala sells these for Cdn $60 + taxes & shipping., Samadhi for aobut US $50 + taxes etc.

MEDITATION BENCHES: There is a wide variety of wooden benches that are used for meditation. We have a number of wooden kneeling benches (as seen at right) at the center. There are also designs that one sits on cross legged. Some designs have cushions as well. Benches are sometimes sold at Banyen. Check out Drala and Samadhi as well. Sizes and  proportions can matter so it is best to try the bench first.

Drala Books & Gifts , 1567 Grafton Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2C3 http://www.drala.ca Drala Books & Gifts will add GST only to your purchases. Shipping should be reasonable

Samadhi Cushions of Karme Choling, 30 Church Street, Barnet, Vermont 05821. Toll free 1-800-331-7751 http://www.samadhicushions.com When ordering from Samadhi Cushions, the cheapest way to ship is by parcel post. When the package arrives, Canada Customs will have attached an invoice. It should say: Tariff item: 6307.90.99.90; Tariff treatment: 10 (made in USA, qualifies for US Free Trade Tariff), duty rate: free; + 7% GST + 7% PST + $5 Canada Customs handling fee.

Geoff Bannoff, handles foam and cushion supplies for the Vancouver Centre. gbannoff@telus.net

Futon Boutique, 12560 Bridgeport Road, Richmond, 604-273-0122 or 2173 4th Avenue West 604- 736-0191

Banyen Books, 3608 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver. 604-737-1636 www.banyen.com

Dream Designs on 956 Commercial Drive 604.254.5012 has a store that sells yoga and meditaiton supplies locally, and it also has an online shop, where you will find prices in US dollars.