Benefits of Vajrasana or Thunderbolt Pose

The Thunderbolt Pose is also known as the Diamond Pose and is traditionally known as the Vajrasana. This yoga pose is an important meditational posture. The reason why the Thunderbolt Yoga Pose is employed for purposes of meditation can be explained by its effect of encouraging and cultivating an upright and straight posture, without the necessity of any additional effort. This posture is also used in other disciplines and religious faiths such as Zen Buddhism, although it may not necessarily be known by the same name. If you by any chance find the Locust Pose or Padmasana to be a little uncomfortable, you can instead use the Vajrasan or Thunderbolt Pose for meditation.

In the Thunderbolt Pose the prana, which is regarded as the life force, or vital breath flows to the Sahasrahdhara from the Muladhara. Although there is no specific time limit demarcated for the practice of this yoga posture, it should ideally be practiced after meals and for at least five minutes, because of its effect of enhancing digestion It is also said that if you are to practice abdominal breaths in this posture for the duration of a hundred breaths you can cure most acute digestive disorders.

Keep in mind that this is an excellent meditative pose in which you can sit for a prolonged period quite comfortably. To get started:

• Begin by assuming a seated position on a yoga mat, with your legs extended directly before you.


• You should bend the left leg at your knee and allow the toes to rest on the floor.


• Similarly, bend the right leg, allowing the toes to rest on the floor, but making contact with the toes of the left foot.


• Seat yourself on the depression formed by the parted heels.


• Bring your palms to rest on the respective knees.

It’s impotant that you maintain an upright posture with your spine straight and head and neck held high. Keep your line of vision fixed at the level of height and allow your hands to be completely relaxed. Your weight should bear on the spine, and your breath should be relaxed and smooth.

Apart from its obvious meditational benefits the thunderbolt pose offers a number of other health benefits. Here are some of the vajrasana benefits:

• This facilitates digestion and eliminates constipation.


• Regular practice has a strengthening effect on the knees, thighs, pelvic muscles, and legs as a whole.


• It creates a sense of tranquility and releases both physical and mental stress.