VAJRASANA

An aspirant practicing this asana achieves a firm and strong posture. It is easy to remain motionless in this posture, hence it is named as Vajrasana.

Technique :
Bend the legs at the knees. Place the heels at the sides of the anus in such a way that the thighs rest on the legs and the buttocks rest on the heels. Support the whole body on the knees and the ankles. Breathe normally while performing this asana. The knees and the ankles will perhaps ache in the beginning but this ache or pain will disappear by itself. Stretch the arms and place the hands on the knees. Keep the knees close by. Sit erect keeping the trunk, the neck and the head in a straight line. This is a very simple posture and on can hold this posture with ease for a longer time.

Advantages :
(1) This asana helps digestion and eliminates gas-trouble.
(2) The constant and systematic practice of this asana alleviates the pain of the knees, the legs, the feet and the thighs.
(3) Vajrasana energises Kandasthana situated about thirty cms away from the anus. This Kandasthana is considered to be the centre of 72,000 nadis (tubular channels).
(4) The regular practice of this asana increases the secretion from the glands. It also increases the white blood corpuscles produced in the spleen, the tonsils, the marrow and in other parts of the body. This is beneficial to health.
(5) One who practices this asana regularly does not suffer from fever, constipation, indigestion and other minor or major ailments.

Note : this is the only asana, which, if practiced immediately after meals, stimulates digestion.