Farewell to Black Dragon Meditation Seats.

This morning, I received yet another email requesting information about the beloved Black Dragon Meditation Seats … the well-loved Australian brand of ergonomic, comfortable and handcrafted meditation seat, designed by Colin Steele.

So, I did some digging and made a few calls .. and now I would like to share an important update.

This morning, I had the pleasure of speaking with one of the incredible makers behind these handcrafted Australian seats, which stopped being available around 2021. They’re now in their 70s, and alas .. there is no further stock available.

I did hear a quiet whisper that the business may one day pass to a fresh generation, though nothing is confirmed yet. If it does, the name will likely change, after having their FB hacked – which is incredibly challenging for anyone (this also happened to us, a few years ago). IFKYK.

My Black Dragon seat sits in my sacred space, and may now be a true collector’s item.

What is a Meditation Stool or Seat?

A meditation seat, stool or bench is a small piece of furniture designed to support your body during meditation. Unlike a traditional chair, it encourages proper or improved posture while keeping your knees, hips, and spine aligned, allowing you to sit comfortably for longer periods.

Some key benefits of using a meditation stool:

  • Reduces strain on the knees, hips, and ankles
  • Supports an upright posture without rigid tension
  • Offers a versatile alternative to cushions or floor sitting
  • Makes meditation accessible for those who cannot comfortably sit cross‑legged

The Black Dragon seat became so well regarded by meditators because of its thoughtful design: adjustable heights, durable Australian timber, comfortable padded surface, and the way it gently held your body .. a real invitation to sink into practice without distraction. It felt both practical and sacred.

Meditation Seats in Traditional Practice

Meditation stools and benches have been used for centuries in Zen, Buddhist, and other contemplative traditions: in Zen the seiza bench is used to support kneeling meditation, keeping the back straight while reducing strain on the legs. Similar stools can are also be found in yoga and mindfulness practices, designed to help the meditator settle comfortably into stillness without constantly adjusting their posture.

Exploring Australian-Made Alternatives

Because, I receive so many emails asking about Black Dragon seats, I did some searching to see what options exist today. While I haven’t personally tried these, they appear to all be crafted in Australia, with one exception on Amazon:

  • Bolsters & Things – Handmade wooden meditation stools in South Australia, crafted for ergonomic support
  • Simply Woodcrafts – from the Blue Mountains of NSW these are artisan benches, solid timber, foldable options available
  • EMP Industrial – an Australian company known for yoga and fitness equipment that have the Rocker Meditation Stool (currently out of stock)
  • Stretch Now – a division of the Stretch Now Group established in 2002 as an innovative ergonomics, health and wellbeing company

and one option available on Amazon:

  • Yoga Dood – a Folding Bamboo Meditation Stool with Velvet Cushion & Carry Bag

As I said, I have not experienced any of these products but they do appear to carry the same principle: to support your posture, ease the body, and let your mind settle into seated meditation.

A Gentle Note

For those of us who loved the Black Dragon, it’s a bittersweet moment to see this chapter close. But the meditation seat – and the practice it supports – continues to evolve.

If you’re looking for a stool, I hope this gives you a place to start. And perhaps one day, the Black Dragon name will return in a new form, carrying its quiet spirit forward.

*Please let me know if you do try any of these products .. I would love to hear about your experience.