Introduction
Vajrasana is one of the basic level yoga postures for Meditation. Muslims and Zen monks also use this posture for their prayer and meditation. Moreover, the traditional Japanese way of sitting, Seiza, is in this posture only.
Though medieval yoga texts mention and describe this posture, the description is not uniform.
VAJRASANA INFORMATION
| Pose Name | Vajrasana |
| Sanskrit Name | वज्रासन |
| IAST Name | vajrāsana |
| English Name | Thunderbolt Pose |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Origin | Medieval Yoga Period |
| Type | Seated Posture |
Vajrasana Meaning
The Sanskrit term Vajra means Thunderbolt, a specialized weapon that only belongs to Lord Indra, the king of Devas or Celestial Entities. The weapon of Lord Indra is believed to be the most powerful weapon. Likewise, Thunderbolt Posture is the most powerful weapon in the hands of a Yogi against any constraints that stop or restrict his progress in the path of Yoga. This is why this posture has got this name.
In another view, this posture is called after a Nadi called Vajra which emanates from Muladhara, the Base Chakra. It regulates the sexual energy in the body. That being said, by controlling Vajra, one could regulate the high potential sexual energy of the body. This posture helps the yogi to control the Vajra Nadi.
The Vajra also means Diamond. Therefore, some people call this posture Diamond Pose. Yet another meaning of the term is firmness or adamant. So it also gets the name Adamant Pose.
Vajrasana Procedure
Vajrasana Precautions
Normally, Thunderbolt Posture is very easy to perform. However, it requires the folding of the knees. Therefore, those who had undergone knee surgery or who have issues in their knees should avoid this posture.
If anyone experiences pain or discomfort in his knees, he should discontinue the practice. In case of doubt, he should seek the advice of a health care provider.
Unlike other yoga postures, one can perform this pose even after a meal. Moreover, Pregnant Ladies can also perform this posture unlike the doctor advises otherwise.
Preparatory Poses
As we have already seen, this pose is easy to perform and it does not warrant any preparatory yoga poses. However, the following poses may help and serve as preparatory poses.
Vajrasana Steps
Step 1
Kneel Down on the floor
Step 2
Place both the big toes touching together and heels apart. Bring down the buttocks and place on the gap in between the heels, still, your big toes touching each other.
Step 3
Place the hand on the knees in Chin Mudra or Jnana Mudra, or simply place the palms down on the knees, if you prefer.
Step 4
Sit erect. Close your eyes or fix your eye-sight on any object before you. Breathe Normally.
Duration
Keep this position at least for five minutes and extend up to three hours if it is possible for you.
Beginners Tips
A beginner may place a folded blanket under the knees which may help extend the duration of the posture.
Advance Pose Considerations
After getting mastery over, one should consider Supta Vajrasana and Virasana for further practice.
Vajrasana Benefits
- This meditation posture is suitable for everyone. Because it is easier to perform when compared with other meditation postures like Lotus Pose and Adept Pose. Moreover, it is a very good posture for meditation and Pranayama.
- Thunderbolt posture activates the Vajra Nadi that regulates the sexual energy of the body.
- One of the main advantages of Vajrasana is that one can perform this posture even after a meal. Apart from this, it improves digestion also. Hence, it is good for the entire digestive system because this helps the conditions like acidity and peptic ulcer.
- It improves blood circulation to the pelvic region. Therefore it strengthens the region which is good for conditions like hernia and piles.
- For women, this posture helps in pregnancy. Also, it removes menstrual disorders.
- Above all, it helps to maintain Celibacy.
Vajrasana in Yoga Texts
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
After describing Siddhasana in Verse 1.36, the next verse reads like this.
Some call this Siddhasana. Some call it Vajrasana, Others Muktasana. But it is also Guptasana.
– Hatha Yoga Pradipika 1.37
The text treats the above-mentioned postures are names that are the synonyms of Siddhasana. However, in modern yoga terminology, the postures mentioned are different from one another.
Gheranda Samhita
Making the thighs tight and firm, place the legs on both sides of the anus. This is Vajrasana that gives psychic powers.
– Gheranda Samhita 2.12
Yoga Upanishads
Yoga Sikha Upanishad mentions this posture as a part of the yoga process meant for Kundalini Awakening.
