The Prema Mandala Meditation Mat is made from darbha grass, which has been known to be an important aid for yogis and sages during meditation for thousands of years. darbha grass helps in retaining energy during meditation, has healing properties and is used in Ayurvedic medicines. darbha grass was also used in sacred ceremonies to prepare a seat for priests and the gods. darbha or kusha grass is specifically recommended by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita as part of the ideal seat for meditation. According to early Buddhist accounts, it was the material used by Buddha for his meditation seat when he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The Prema Mandala Meditation Mat has a removable, cotton cover and a padded darbha grass mat insert, and allows one to meditate in comfort with its all-natural padded design.