Yoga Practice Name
Vajrasana (वज्रासन)
Vajrasana (वज्रासन)
Thunderbolt Pose or Diamond Pose.
Vajrasana is a kneeling posture where the practitioner sits back on the heels with the spine erect and hands resting on the thighs. Unlike most asanas, Vajrasana can be practiced immediately after meals as it aids digestion. It is also a stable and calming pose ideal for meditation and pranayama.
1. Starting Position: – Kneel on the floor or a yoga mat. Keep the knees close together and the big toes touching.
2. Lower the Body: – Slowly sit back so that your buttocks rest on your heels. The heels will point outward slightly, and the thighs rest over the calves.
3. Hand Position: – Place your palms on your thighs, facing down, keeping the arms relaxed.
4. Spinal Alignment: – Keep the spine erect, head aligned with the spine, and gaze forward or gently closed eyes.
5. Breathing: – Breathe slowly and deeply, maintaining awareness on the breath or body sensations.
6. Duration: – Hold the pose from 2–5 minutes initially, and gradually increase up to 15–20 minutes as comfortable.
7. To Release: – Gently lean forward, lift the hips, and return to a kneeling or sitting position.
1. Supta Vajrasana (Supine Thunderbolt Pose) – A reclining variation that deepens the stretch in the thighs and enhances flexibility in the spine and hips.
2. Shashankasana (Child's Pose / Balasana) – Naturally follows Vajrasana, providing a relaxing forward bend that releases the lower back and calms the mind.
3. Simhasana (Lion Pose) – Begins in Vajrasana; adds facial muscle activation and promotes throat chakra stimulation and emotional release.
4. Ardha Ustrasana (Half Camel Pose) – Offers a gentle backbend from a kneeling posture; counterbalances the upright stillness of Vajrasana.
5. Anulom Vilom / Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) – Vajrasana provides an ideal seated posture for pranayama practices, enhancing focus and breath control.
6. Meditation or Japa (Chanting) – Vajrasana is stable and grounding, making it perfect for still practices like mindfulness, mantra recitation, or visualization.
1. Sukhasana, 2. Padmasana, 3. Ardha Padmasana, 4. Swastikasana, 5. Bhadrasana, 6. Simhasana
GS: 2.12-13