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

Ok, so Buckwheat hulls are the best next thing to Kapok fillings. However, I found a supposedly the next best thing to buckwheat hulls cushions: these guys from The Monestary Store claims to have the most comfortable zafu/zabuton.
(IMG:http://www.dharma.net/monstore/category_content/mseat/images/posture.gif)

The Mountain Seat zafu combines a layer of viscoelastic foam with a sturdy, buckwheat hull base, covered in a durable cotton/poly shell. The foam layer conforms to your body contour, eliminating many complaints caused by more traditional kapok or cotton-filled meditation cushions. Because of its structural memory, the foam will provide years of maintenance-free support.

The Tibetan Mountain Seat is a popular rectangular meditation cushion that was designed specifically for Western practitioners by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.

When sitting on the Mountain Seat's layer of viscoelastic foam, your weight is more evenly distributed, eliminating painful pressure points. As the foam flows and accommodates to the contours of your body, your spine, back, hip joints, knees, ankles, and even your skin are relieved of unnecessary stress. Unlike traditional cushion material, the foam is virtually indestructible, and has a structural memory that allows it to return to its original shape within minutes of each use.

A bit pricy though (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)