Vajrasana, also known as the Thunderbolt Pose, is a fundamental yoga asana known for its simplicity yet powerful impact on the body and mind. Derived from the Sanskrit words “vajra,” meaning thunderbolt, and “asana,” meaning pose. The vajra is said to be a weapon of Indra, the ruler of the devas (gods), just as the mind is the king of all the senses. So it shows the vajra nadi plays a pivotal role in governing the genito-urinary system, overseeing sexual energy within the body. Mastery over the vajra nadi results in the sublimation and regulation of sexual energy. Hence, the vajrasana series proves highly advantageous for both reproductive and digestive organs, offering a relatively straightforward practice.
Steps:
- Begin by kneeling on the floor.
- Bring your big toes together while keeping the heels apart.
- Gently lower your buttocks onto the inside surface of your feet, with heels touching your hips’ sides.
- Place your hands on your knees, palms facing down.
- Maintain a straight back and head without excessive tension.
- Avoid over-arching your spine.
- Close your eyes, relax your arms, and your entire body.
- Breathe naturally and focus on the breath flowing in and out of your nostrils.
Duration:
Practice Vajrasana for at least 5-10 minutes, especially after meals, to enhance digestion. In cases of acute digestive issues, sit in Vajrasana and practice abdominal breathing for 100 breaths before and after eating. Also, advanced practitioners may extend it to 15-30 minutes as part of meditation or pranayama practice.
Awareness:
- Physically, focus on your normal breathing process. Practicing with closed eyes promotes tranquility.
- Spiritually, concentrate on the manipura chakra.
Benefits:
- Alters blood and nerve flow in the pelvic region and strengthens pelvic muscles.
- Prevents hernia and aids in relieving piles.
- Enhances the efficiency of the digestive system, alleviating issues like hyperacidity and peptic ulcers.
- Reduces blood flow to the genitals, assisting in conditions like dilated testicles and hydrocele in men.
- Supports women during labor and helps with menstrual disorders.
- An excellent meditation posture, naturally promoting an upright and straight body position with no effort.
- Ideal for individuals with sciatica and sacral infections.
- Stimulates the vajra nadi, activates prana in sushumna, and redirects sexual energy for spiritual purposes.
Practice Notes:
- If there’s thigh discomfort, slightly separate the knees while maintaining the posture.
- Beginners experiencing ankle discomfort can stretch their legs forward briefly and shake their feet to relieve stiffness before resuming the posture.
- To enhance comfort, consider placing a folded blanket or small cushion between the buttocks and heels.
Variations:
Variation I: Balancing Breath Flow
- Observe the predominant nostril airflow (left or right).
- Place the corresponding big toe on top of the other.
- Sit in Vajrasana as usual.
- This variation balances breath flow in ida and pingala nadis, promoting mental tranquility.
Variation 2: Mooladhara Stimulation
- Slightly separate your feet (not knees) about 25cm apart.
- Maintain a flat buttock position on the floor.
- Stimulates mooladhara chakra.
Variation 3: Beginner-Friendly Option
- Place a rolled-up blanket on the floor between your legs.
- Separate your feet (not knees) about 25cm apart.
- Sit on the blanket in Vajrasana.
- Easier on the feet and ankles, suitable for beginners, and stimulates mooladhara chakra.
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