Yoga Posture Guide - The Thunderbolt or Diamond Pose (Vajra-asana)

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Translation: The Sanskrit word vajra means thunderbolt or diamond.
Pronunciation: vuh-drah-sa-na
Difficulty Level: (2)

The vajra-asana is a versatile posture well suited for meditation, rest in between other seated postures, or as an aid to digestion. The vajra-asana is the position in various other yoga postures such as the anjaneya-asana (salutation posture) and the ushtra-asana (the camel).

Many people find this asana a little uncomfortable at first because it is a sitting position that few people ever use. At first, the ankles and knees tend to ache, but with practice, this asana will become most comfortable and almost a joy to sit in. Besides being an excellent meditative asana used by Muslims and Japanese Buddhists, it is the starting pose for a large number of other asanas.

Normally, Asanas should be performed on an empty stomach. But, The Thunderbolt or Diamond Pose (Vajra-asana) is one of the few exceptions. This asana can be done immediately after the meal. In fact, Vajrasana is most effective after the meal and aids in proper digestion.

Health Benefits of the Thunderbolt or Diamond Yoga Pose (Vajra-asana)

• It helps in digestion.
• Sitting in this pose helps in reduction of the hips.
• It helps in getting rid of constipation.
• It helps to fight stomach disorder.
• A few minutes of Vajrasana and you can feel the mind-calming. Thus helps you in relaxing.
• It helps in increasing the blood circulation in the body.
• Yoga always helps in weight loss. So does vajrasana!
• Vajrasana is the pose in which many asans are done. Some of them have been named at the beginning of this article.
• It helps in curing the urinary problem.
• It helps in making the lower body flexible.
• It also helps in combating acidity.
• It helps in strengthening the sexual organs.
• It helps in toning of body muscles like the hips, thighs and the calf muscles.
• It helps in curing various body ailments like varicose veins and joint pains.
• This pose is a magic pose for people suffering from arthritis as it acts as a painkiller.

Instructions for The Thunderbolt or Diamond Yoga Pose (Vajra-asana)

1. The vajra-asana is a seated posture. Begin by sitting back on your heels and placing your knees, legs, and feet together. 
2. Keeping the back straight place the palms of your hands down on top of your thighs. 
3. Breath gently through your nostrils and sit in this position for at least three minutes. 

Duration/Repetitions: The vajra-asana can be held for as long as is comfortable (and depending on the reason for doing the posture).

Advice for beginners

Beginners may find it difficult to sit on their feet without the support of the arms. A good method for loosening up the legs is to support your body weight with your arms and then slowly lower your buttocks towards the feet. Bear the discomfort for a second or so and then take the support of your arms again to release the tension. Then again lower your buttocks and repeat the procedure. With practice, you will find that the tension disappears and eventually you will be able to sit on the feet for long periods without the slightest difficulty Remember the loosening up exercises will also help you very much to make your legs more supple and allow you to sit in vajrasana.

Beginners who find that their legs and fee: ache after a very short time in this position should return to the kneeling position and then sit on the floor with the legs outstretched Bend one leg, hold the ankle and vigorously shake the foot until all signs of stiffness have disappeared. Repeat with the other leg. Then again sit in vajrasana.

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