Vajra Asanam — Supported Kneeling Seat

What is a Vajra Asanam?

Vajrasana, the “thunderbolt” or diamond posture, is the classic kneeling position in which you sit back towards your heels with the spine upright. It is traditionally practised for breathing, meditation and even after meals. Many people, however, find that holding it puts pressure on the knees, ankles and tops of the feet. A Vajra Asanam is a low, slightly raised seat that sits over your lower legs, so your body weight rests on the seat rather than on your ankles.

The result is a posture that feels more upright and easier to sustain, which is why we use the Vajra Asanam in Mudra Therapy, breathing practice and our online program Healing through Mudra and Breathing.

Carved with experience, designed to be steady

Every Samanvaya Vajra Asanam is carved, cut and shaped with experience, so it supports an upright, comfortable kneeling posture. Each seat is designed to be steady — it sits firmly on the floor or mat and does not rock as you settle onto it.

• Foldable variants have lockable hinges: the legs lock firmly in the open position for safety and steadiness, and fold flat again for storage.
• Foldable with Foam adds a cushioned foam top that comes with a rexine covering — soft to sit on and easy to wipe clean.

Choose your variant

Who it is for

• Desk-job professionals: a short kneeling break away from the office chair can change your posture and help you pause and breathe during busy days.
• Students: a steady seat for pre-study breathing and mindful pauses, and a change from slouching at a desk.
• Seniors (55+): supported kneeling with less load on the ankles; the foam variant offers extra cushioning. Always check with your doctor if you have knee replacements or significant knee pain.

How we use it in sessions

1. Kneel on a mat or folded blanket with the seat placed behind you, legs slanting inward towards the floor.
2. Sit back gently onto the seat so your shins rest on the mat and your feet point straight back underneath.
3. Lengthen your spine, relax your shoulders and rest your hands on your thighs or in a mudra.
4. Stay for a comfortable duration — start with a couple of minutes and come out slowly.

In sessions, we check the seat height suits your body and show you how to add a folded towel under the knees or ankles for extra comfort.

Comfort and safety

If you have had knee surgery, have significant knee or ankle pain, or varicose veins, please speak with your doctor before kneeling practice. Stop if you feel numbness, tingling or pain, and get up slowly by leaning forward onto your hands.

Learn more in our blog post Choosing Your Vajra Asanam: Teak Wood, Regular, Foldable or Foam.