Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose)

Vajrasana is a yoga pose that is also known as Thunderbolt Pose or Diamond Pose. Vajrasana is a seated posture that is often used for meditation, pranayama, and other yogic practices. It is very beneficial for the reproductive as well as digestive organs and is also reasonably easy to perform. The Vajrasana pose itself is believed to have been created by the sage Bharadvaja, who is said to have created the pose as a way to stabilize the body and calm the mind during meditation.

Overview

Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose) – Detailed Steps

1. Kneel on the floor with the knees close together.
2. Bring the big toes together and separate the heels. Lower the buttocks onto the inside surface of the feet with the heels touching the sides of the hips.
3. Place the hands on the knees, palms down.
4. The back and head should be straight but not tense. Avoid excessive backward arching of the spine.
5. Close the eyes, relax the arms and the whole body. Breathe normally and fix the attention on the flow of air passing in and out of the nostrils.

Duration: For extended periods of time if performed for spiritual aims. A few minutes daily is sufficient to loosen up the legs. If Any strain is experienced, stop the asana. Practice vajrasana directly after meals, for at least 5 minutes to enhance the digestive function. In cases of acute digestive disorder, sit in vajrasana and practise abdominal breathing for 1 00 breaths before and after food. Do not strain.

Vajrasana and the Vajra Nadi

Vajra Nadi is an important concept in the practice of yoga and meditation. It is believed to be a subtle energy channel that runs along the central axis of the body, from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. The term “vajra” means “thunderbolt” or “diamond”, and is often used in the context of yoga and meditation to refer to an indestructible, unchanging quality of the inner self.

According to traditional yogic texts, Vajra Nadi is one of three main energy channels in the body, along with Ida Nadi and Pingala Nadi. These three channels are said to correspond to the three main aspects of the human being: the physical body, the mind, and the soul.

Vajra Nadi is said to be associated with the element of ether or space, and is sometimes referred to as the “channel of the sky”. It is believed to be the main channel through which kundalini energy rises up through the chakras, or energy centers, in the body.

The practice of yoga and meditation is said to help purify and activate Vajra Nadi, allowing the kundalini energy to flow freely and move upward through the chakras. This can help to awaken spiritual awareness, promote inner peace, and deepen one’s connection to the divine.

Benefits of Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose)

1. Improves digestion: Vajrasana is known to be a highly effective pose for improving digestion. This is because it helps to stimulate the digestive organs, including the stomach, liver, and pancreas. Regular practice of Vajrasana can help to relieve constipation and other digestive problems. It increases the efficiency of the entire digestive system, relieving stomach ailments such as hyperacidity and peptic ulcer.
2. Strengthens the muscles: Vajrasana is an excellent posture for strengthening the muscles of the thighs and hips. This can help to improve overall lower body strength and stability.
3. Relieves lower back pain: Vajrasana helps to improve spinal alignment, which can help to relieve lower back pain. It also helps to strengthen the muscles of the back and neck, which can help to prevent future episodes of back pain.
4. Calms the mind and reduces stress: Practicing Vajrasana is an effective way to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. It promotes relaxation and can help to improve overall mental wellbeing.
5. Improves posture: Vajrasana strengthens the muscles of the back and neck, which can help to improve overall posture. This can be especially beneficial for people who spend a lot of time sitting at a desk or hunched over a computer.
6. Increases flexibility and range of motion: Vajrasana helps to stretch the muscles of the thighs and hips, which can help to increase overall flexibility and range of motion.
7. Improves pelvic health: Vajrasana strengthens the pelvic muscles, which can help to improve bladder control and sexual function. Vajrasana alters the flow of blood and nervous impulses in the pelvic region and strengthens the pelvic muscles.
8. Preventive for Hernia: It is a preventative measure against hernia.
9. Improves circulation: Practicing Vajrasana helps to improve circulation in the legs and feet, which can help to reduce swelling and prevent blood clots.
10. Promotes mental focus and concentration: Vajrasana can also be practiced as a meditation pose, promoting mental focus and concentration.
11. Improves Blood flow in reproductive organs: It reduces the blood flow to the genitals and massages the nerve fibres which feed them, making it useful in dilated veins of the testicles and hydrocele in men. 
12. Vajrasana is a very important meditation posture because the body becomes upright and straight with no effort. It is the best meditation asana for people suffering from sciatica. 
13. It stimulates the vajra nadi, activates prana in sushumna and redirects sexual energy for spiritual purposes.

Practice Note

If there is pain in the thighs, the knees may be separated slightly while maintaining the posture. Beginners may find that their ankles ache after a short time in vajrasana. To remedy this, release the posture, sit with the legs stretched forward and shake the feet vigorously one after the other until the stiffness disappears. Then resume the posture.