Importance of Asana Options

Well, it seemed that I have a bony arse (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) and I can only meditate in an asana "comfortably" for a max of 3 hours nonstop before I really have to -painfully- get up and try to get my leg and arse blood flowing again (IMG:style_emoticons/default/00000064.gif) In the end of my long meditations, one of my leg would be so damn cold, I lost feeling to it, pains, cramps and spasm, and I think any of you who meditate for a long time know what I am talking about here (IMG:style_emoticons/default/004.gif)

I need to meditate comfortably and for longer hours, and this does not seemed possible in a short time since I reckon I need more practice and leg stretchings. So I guess in the meantime, I need to find a way around this.

My temporary solution is to try the zen meditation benches below:
(IMG:http://www.samadhicushions.com/samadhi/images/benches_bar.jpg)

My question is, how important is asana to meditation? How does different asana (specificallly lotus posture) helps us? Does asana -only- helps to discipline the body and mind?

PS: and btw, I'd like custom order a cushion for my meditation since I have not find anything suitable yet. Any recommendation for the fillings please? I am thinking of kapok, since I am not aware of anymore available fillings comfortable for meditation cushions. I think I saw some kind of "beans" (saw it sold in local jap store years ago) used as a fillings in japanese matress/cushion but not sure what is the "bean" name and where to find this again. Thanks for any help.

This post has been edited by | Kinjo: Nov 21 2005, 03:52 AM

Thanks for everyone's answer. I'd like to add another reply I received by mail:

The zen asana may be used as a substitute--the chakras of the heels must somehow connect with the muladhara chakra and the spine must be erect but without strain.

The mind must indeed be alert but the asana has other important effects than creating alertness--it builds upon the energies in the root chakra (union of the minor chakras at the heels and the major root). When this "cup" overflows it should overflow to the next chakra and so on.

Energy building-wise, I'd have to concur with what the above and KiwiKid posted as I do sense some kind of energies (usually warm, tingling, and occasional shiverings) when I do a cross leg meditation (when doing a mantra japa).