Like Padmasana, Vajrasana is also the asanas for meditation. One can sit comfortably for a prolonged period in this Asana. `Vajra` or the thunderbolt, the powerful weapon of Indra is the allegory behind this particular yoga asana. Vajrasana is also known as the Diamond Pose. The term Vajrasana is derived from two Sanskrit words Vajra means thunderbolt and Asana means pose. The word Vajra can also translate as `va` + ra where va means to move and ra means radiant. According to its literal meaning it, Vajrasana is a pose that radiates blood supply and subtle energies to upper body.

The techniques for Vajrasana is as follows -

One should fold the left leg in the knee and place the toe on the floor.

Then he/she should fold the right leg in the knee and should place the toe on the floor and joins the two toes.

The practitioner should sit on the pit formed by the parted heels and place the palms on the knees.

While practicing Vajrasana, it is important to keep the spine, the neck and the head, erect in one straight line and keep the sight fixed at the plane of the height. One should not place any pressure on the hands. The whole weight of the body should be set on the spine. One should continue smooth breathing, when the final position is attained. While sitting on the bent feet, the heels should stay out and toes should be inside; while soles upward. After a little practice, Vajrasana can be maintained for a long time. In the daily routine Vajrasana should be done for five minutes to experience good results. With more practice it can be done for three hours.

Along with the body, the mind also gets stabilised while doing Vajrasana. Hence, this asana is preferred for meditation. This asana is also found to be good for Pranayama. The special fold of the legs forms one Bandha in Vajrasana. Consequently the blood circulation in the waist - downward portions is controlled. For this reason Vajrasana is recommended after Shirshasana. Moreover, Vajrasana strengthens thigh and calf muscles. The people having the problem of stiff joints and whose movements have become difficult can practice Vajrasana with a lot of care.

Vajrasana can be maintained for a long time. In the daily routine it should be kept for five minutes to experience good results. With more practice it can be extended for three hours.

Along with the body, the mind also gets stabilised by Vajrasana. Hence, it is preferred for meditation and is also found to be good for Pranayama. Vajrasana is considerably easy pose and everyone can practice this pose with ease. Vajrasana is very good for stomach disorders. It ensures digestion and prevents excess wind formation.

Supta Vajrasana is another variable posture of Vajrasana. The literal meaning of word `Supta` is lying down or resting. One has to begin with simple Vajrasana posture and then bend backward. Firstly, one needs to rest the elbows on ground towards backside and then slowly straighten the hands. The person should lie completely on the back. In this position the shoulders should rest on the ground. Knees should remain together but beginners may keep their knees separately if they find it difficult to keep them together. While returning to the original position, one should first take out the hands and place it by the side of the body and then with the help of elbows he/she should sit as in the first position.

Supta vajrasana is a special posture that requires some particular cautions. One should try to control the weight while lying on the back, since jerking can cause injury to the back muscles. One should not put more than normal pressure on the back, arms, and the ankle joints while doing this asana. The person should not practice this asana if he/she is suffering from gases, knee injuries or and pain in knees and hip. Supta Vajrasana stretches the thigh and abdomen muscles and thus strengthens them. It is very useful in constipation, high blood pressure and backache.