ASANA GUIDE

DIAMOND POSE — VAJRASANA

Diamond pose

“Vajra” means diamond, or thunderbolt. Vajrasana is a steady, firm, and meditative pose, and for this reason it is used in the Zen and Muslim traditions as a posture for meditation practice. Those who properly practice Vajrasana cannot be easily shaken, and they sit firm in their truth. Vajrasana harmonizes the mental and emotional planes, as well as increasing concentration and helping to awaken compassion. Be still and clear like the diamond, and shine your light for all the world to see.

Sanskrit

Vajrasana
वज्रासन

PRONUNCIATION

Vajrasana
वज्रासन

TRANSLATION

Diamond (Vajra)
Pose (Asana)

POSE TYPE

Kneeling pose

POSE CATEGORY

Kneeling pose

ORIGIN

Hatha Yoga Pradipika

PERFORMANCE

Starting

Sit on the legs with bent knees. Keep the knees very close to each other. Form a bowl with the soles of the feet, by bringing the heels beside the buttocks, while still sitting on them. The big toes remain separate.

Entering

Place the hands in the fold between thighs and waist, with the thumbs pointing backward, and the fingers pointing forward. Keep the chest open and the spine straight, avoiding an over arching of the lower back.

Final

Not Applicable

Variation

Pillows may be used under the shins, releasing pressure from the ankles. Pillows under the buttocks can be used to release pressure from the knees and legs. The pillows are placed toward the back to allow the knees to remain close to each other. In case of pain in knees and thighs, the knees may be separated slightly.

Releasing

Carefully straighten the knees.

EFFECTS

Physiological

Strengthens toes, knees, legs and thighs.
Strengthens the pelvic muscles.
Alters the flow of blood and nervous impulses in the pelvic region.

Energetic

Activates the Third Eye and the Heart Chakra.
Energizes Kanda, the center and source of the entire nadi system in the area below the navel.
Stimulates the Vajra Nadi.
Activates Prana Vayu in Sushumna Nadi.
Redirects sexual energy to the brain for spiritual purposes.