The Putuan 蒲团 cushion for meditation

Putuan is a round cushion woven from tough grasses (such as straw, dragon's beard grass, etc.) or vines. It is light, soft, and easy to carry, used by Taoists for practicing meditation and chanting scriptures. Why do Taoists practice sitting on a putuan instead of using utensils like chairs or stools? Taoist books explain that the function of the putuan is "refining demons beyond the mortal realm". "Beyond the mortal realm" is an abbreviation for people beyond the mortal realm, referring to Taoists who have escaped the mortal world; "demons" refer to the seven emotions and six desires that disturb life; "refining" means practicing. In layman's terms, only by sitting on the putuan to meditate and practice can one achieve the effects of calming the mind, cultivating one's nature, restraining oneself, and eliminating distracting thoughts.

There is a poem in Taoist books that says: "The putuan is woven round and round, and there is a karmic connection in practicing meditation. When three thousand merits are fulfilled, the elixir book will summon, and with one breath, you will soar to the Nine Heavens." As long as those who practice Taoism persist in sitting quietly, chanting scriptures, and practicing on the putuan, they will one day achieve perfect merits and attain the goal of longevity and immortality.