Vajrasana

(Formidable Posture)

A human being has, hidden within him, innumerable and unlimited capacities. Spiritual practices can not only help one awaken these capabilities but also master them. If health and strength of nervous system can be maintained, physical capacities can be enhanced. Inner strengths, which are yet dormant can be realised.

Vajrasana is one amongst these series of sitting asanas. The seminal vesicles are influenced by practice of Vajrasana. These are pathway for flow of prana energy. This nadi is connected to urinary system and seminal vesicles. Upon achieving total control over this nadi, practitioner can attain success in physical, mental and spiritual capacities. Vajra is also associated with Indra's weapon, Vajra. Like Indra's unfailing and strong weapon, the human body also becomes Vajra like with regular practice of Vajrasana. The human body becomes a storehouse of energy and power.

The second step of this asana is Kayotsarg. To practice Kayotsarg, lie down flat on mat. Stretch out both legs keeping a distance of approximately one foot between them. Place palms by side of body. Keep head, neck and shoulders in a straight line and let go of body-relax. This position of body is Kayotsarg or Dandashayan.

This asana possess a speciality that no other asana has. It can be practiced even after meals. Practice of this asana is very beneficial in digestion of food.

This asana can be done both in a sitting or a lying down position. The lying down posture is called 'Suptavajrasana'. There are three ways of doing sitting vajrasana. All the methods are elucidated below.

Vajrasana (Formidable Posture)

First Method

Spread mat on floor and be seated. Stretch out both legs in front. Bend right leg and place heel under right hip. Bend left leg and place left heel under left hip.

The big toes should be one on top of other. The soles facing sky. Heels should be apart and buttocks placed in space between them. In this way entire body weight is balanced on heels and front part of feet. Now place palms on knees. Remember that spine, neck, shoulders and arms must remain straight. The 'Arhat Vandana' (the prayer offered in praise of Arihantas) is chanted seated in this asana. Hence this asana is also called 'Vandanasana'.

Second Method

Though this process of assuming Vajrasana is a bit more difficult, but this asana is as beneficial as the others.

As given in method above, sit down on bended knees. Place heels together in such a way that centre of buttocks is right on them. It may be initially difficult to balance total weight of the body on heels but practice makes it perfect. Place palms on thighs. As before, keep spine, neck, shoulders and waist erect and eyes looking straight ahead.

Third Method

By creating some change in above two given methods, third form of Vajrasana comes into being. It is a comparatively natural and simple method. Sit down on floor as mentioned in method first and second. Let both big toes touch each other and heels be apart but outer edges of feet should touch mat. The rest of asana will be as above.

Vajrasana also includes Brahmacharyasana. Even though Vajrasana is simple and easy it is a very important asana. A special stretch is felt by Vajra Nadi or the genital nerve during practice of this asana. Sit in Vajrasana. Concentrate on shakti kendra (Muladhara Chakra) and experience creative energy (viryashakti) generated flowing upward. This creative energy is transformed into pure energy.

Duration

Initially practice this asana for half a minute only. Later time can be extended as per requirement. During practice breathing should be slow and deep.

Precaution

Practice Vajrasana regularly for 15 minutes immediately after taking food. It is a transitional as well as resting pose performed during sun salutation.

Other Benefits

This asana not only helps in the adoption and maintenance of celibacy but also in keeping a well-built, graceful and strong body.