The name comes from the Sanskrit, “Vajra ” meaning “Diamond”, and “Asana”, meaning “Posture”.
Vajra or thunderbolt is said to be the weapon of lord Indra, king of the devas or gods, just as the mind is the king of all the senses. Vajra is also the major nadi directly connected with the genitourinary system, which regulates the sexual energy in the body. Control of vajra nadi leads to sublimation and control of sexual energy.
Table of Contents
- Steps with breathing
- Adjustments
- Benefits
- Contra Indications
- Variations
Steps with breathing
1. Sit in dandasana and slowly bend your knees one by one and keep it beneath the buttocks, toes pointing out behind.
2. Sit on the heels with the calves beneath the thighs.
3. Sit straight with spine, neck and head in one line and palms on the knees facing downwards.
4. Stay in normal breath for about 30 seconds to 1minute, slowly can increase the duration. Slowly extend the legs one by one and relax back in shithala dandasana.
Adjustments
1. Big toes touching each other.
2. Four finger gap between the kneecaps.
3. Head, neck and spine should be erected and shoulders rolled back.
Variations
1. Spread both the heels out on the side and place buttocks between on the ground.
2. Knees wider and toes together.
3. Being in vajrasana lieing down on back which is called as Supta vajrasana.
4. Those have knee pain in this posture can put pillow or bolster under the buttocks.
Benefits
1. Vajrasana alters the flow of blood and nervous impulses in the pelvic region and strengthens the pelvic muscles.
2. It is a preventative measure against hernia and helps to relieve piles.
3. It reduces the blood flow to the genitals and the nerve fibres which feed them, making it useful in dilated veins of the testicles and hydrocele in men.
4. It alleviates menstrual disorders.
5. It increases the efficiency of the entire digestive system, relieving stomach ailments such as hyperacidity and peptic ulcer.
Contraindications
1. Do not practice vajrasana until the ankles and knees are sufficiently flexible.
2. Vajrasana is not advisable in osteoarthritis.