Heliodorus Yoga

Yoga

By Kostas Tselios

Hdg: THE VAJRASANA
Subhead: DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER

In Sanskrit, the word Vajra has two meanings, Thunderbolt and diamond. Both words have a special meaning in the pantheon of Hinduism.
The diamond is an epithet which is associated with Siva. It represents strength and is, of course imperishable. Also, it is seen as light giving, because of the way it refracts light.

The thunderbolt is the weapon of indra, the chief of the gods, the god of thunder, lightning and rain.

This yoga asana (position) called Vajrasana can be interpreted by either of these symbols, diamond or thunderbolt. It is an asana that is used in most styles of yoga. This is because the Vajrasana has a variety of effects and benefits on a holistic level, benefiting mind, body and spirit.

The Vajrasana also resembles the nimaz, the ‘suffi’ pose for prayer. It is practised mostly by Bhuddist and Zen monks, as part of their meditation practise.

Furthermore, Vajrasana is the yoga posture that many people around the world, especially in Asia, use when they are eating, or when they are having a chat with friends while drinking their chai.

Once, a friend in India told me that the reason many Indians now have a large belly is because they no longer eat in this position, but instead use western-style chairs. At the time I thought that his comment was a joke and didn’t give it a second thought, but, having used the Vajrasana position regularly myself, when eating, I now think there is truth in what he was saying.


HOW TO DO THIS ASANA
Kneel on the floor with your knees slightly apart and place your big toes behind you so that they are facing each other, at a distance of about five cm.

Then, spread your heals so that your feet form the shape of a trough. Then lower your buttocks slowly onto the inside surface of your feet, with your heels touching the sides of your hips. Place your hands on your knees, palms down.

Another style, used for meditation, is to place your hands on your thighs in such a way that the thumb and index finger of each hand encircles the top of the corresponding thigh.

Your thumbs must slightly point outward and your index fingers should touch your pelvis. The rest of your fingers have to be relaxed on the top of your thighs and your spine must be kept absolutely straight.

Be careful to avoid any excessive backward or forward arching and your shoulders and head should be kept without tension and your face muscles should be relaxed, preferably with a radiant smile.

Finally, expand your chest and shoulders, close your eyes, breath normally and fix your attention on the flow of air (prana), the life force. Breath so that air is entering smoothly in and out of your nostrils.

As for how long you should practise, I would say as much as possible, but build up. At the beginning you will have to get used to some pain in your feet, ankles and calves. Feel free at the beginning to use a folded blanket, placed under your buttocks for support, or use small cushions for added comfort; the pain will gradually disappear as you get used to this asana.

WHAT IS THIS ASANA GOOD FOR?
Vajrasana alters the flow of blood and nervous impulses in the pelvic area. For that reason it is good at alleviating many problems related to women’s menstrual cycles and menopause.

It increases the efficiency of the digestive system. Not only does it help digestion, but it can even cure ailments such as hyperacidity and peptic ulcers.

Overall, the stomach will function with increased strength. Vajrasana can be practiced after meals from between five minutes to half an hour. I can promise you, do this and you will be on the way to having the waistline you have always dreamed of!

MY EXPERIENCES

Practising and teaching Vajrasana for quite a few years now, I am amazed for the plethora of benefits can offer.
For me it has become my standard position for, eating, writing and even watching TV.
I use this asana mostly for my meditation practice. If my feet and knees are very stiff, I find it hard to practice the Padmasana (lotus pose) so I use Vajrasana instead.
I fully recommend this asana for people with any sort of problems around their digestive and urinatory track. It has been proved to be preventive as well as theraupetic for most ailments related to these areas.
It is one of the asanas which I always include in my yoga classes, and strongly advise my students to practise it at home on their own.
Why not give it a try, I am sure you will feel the benefits!
Until next time.

Om Siva om namo