The vajra or thunderbolt is said to be the weapon of Indra, king of devas or gods, just as the mind is the king of all the senses.

• Kneel on the floor with the knees close together.
• Bring the big toes together (right toe should be above the left toe) and separate the heels.
• Lower the buttocks on to the inside surface of the feet with the heels touching the sides of thehips.
• Place the hands on the knees, palms down.
• The back and head should be straight but not tense.
• Avoid excessive backward arching of the spine.
• 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.Practise vajrasana directly after meals, for at least 5 minutesto enhance the digestive function. In cases of acute digestivedisorder, sit in vajrasana and practise abdominal breathingfor 100 breaths before and after food. Do not strain.

Awareness: Physical-on the sensations in the legs, buttocksand spine. When comfortable in the Asanabecome awareof the normal breathing process. This will bring tranquillityto the mind ifpractised with the eyes closed. Spiritual-on Manipura chakra.

• Vajrasana alters the flow of blood and nervous impulses in the pelvic region and strengthens the pelvic muscles.
• It is a preventative measure against hernia and also helps to relieve piles.
• 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.
• It alleviates menstrual disorders.
• It increases the efficiency of the entire digestive system, relieving stomach ailments such as hyperacidity and peptic ulcer.
• 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.
• 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 beseparated slightly while maintaining Theposture.Beginners may find that their ankles ache after a short timein vajrasana. To remedy this, release the posture, sit withthe legs stretched forward and shake the feet vigorouslyone after the other until the stiffness disappears. Thenresume the posture.