वज्रोली मुद्रा

Vajrolī Mudrā

The thunderbolt gesture

Sources: Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.83-103 · Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.45-48 · Śiva Saṃhitā 4.78-104

Meaning

Vajra (वज्र) means “thunderbolt”, “diamond” or, in the yogic context, also refers to the male reproductive organ. Vajrolī derives from vajra and means “powerful as the thunderbolt” or “one who masters vajra”.

Vajrolī Mudrā is one of the most controversial practices of classical Haṭha Yoga. The texts dedicate extensive passages to it, indicating its importance in the tradition. It is a technique for conserving and sublimating sexual energy.

Traditional context

The Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā presents Vajrolī within a framework that includes ritual sexual practices (maithuna). However, the essence of the mudrā —control of the urogenital muscles and sublimation of vīrya (vital essence)— can be practiced independently.

The HYP states that this mudrā, kept secret by yogis, can be practiced even by those living “without the restrictions of yoga” (3.83). This suggests its universal applicability beyond the monastic context.

Technique

Modern practical version

The accessible practice focuses on control of the anterior pelvic floor muscles:

  1. Sit in a comfortable posture with spine erect
  2. Locate the muscles you would use to stop urine flow
  3. Contract these muscles (without squeezing the anus or buttocks)
  4. Hold the contraction 5-10 seconds while breathing normally
  5. Relax completely
  6. Repeat 10-20 times

Distinction from other mudrās

It is important to differentiate:

  • Aśvinī Mudrā: Contraction of the anal sphincter
  • Mūla Bandha: Contraction of the perineum (central point)
  • Vajrolī Mudrā: Contraction of the urogenital muscles (anterior)

In practice, these three points are very close and tend to activate together. Refinement consists of isolating each one.

Advanced practice (according to texts)

Classical texts describe more elaborate techniques:

  • Aspirating air through the urethra
  • Reabsorbing fluids after emission
  • Ritual sexual practices with retention

These advanced techniques require direct guidance and are not appropriate for independent practice.

Effects

Physical level

  • Strengthens pelvic floor muscles
  • Improves urinary control
  • Tones reproductive organs
  • Stimulates pelvic circulation
  • May help with sexual dysfunctions

Energetic level

  • Conserves bindu (the subtle essence)
  • Transmutes vīrya (sexual energy) into ojas (spiritual vitality)
  • Strengthens svādhiṣṭhāna chakra
  • Reverses the descending flow of apāna
  • Supports energy sublimation toward higher centers

The concept of Bindu

In Haṭha Yoga philosophy, bindu is the essential drop —the quintessence of the subtle body containing life’s potential. Its loss (through ejaculation, primarily) weakens the body and shortens life. Its conservation grants:

  • Longevity
  • Mental clarity
  • Physical strength
  • Eventually, yogic powers

Vajrolī is one of the main techniques for conserving bindu.

Sahajolī and Amarolī

The HYP mentions two related techniques:

Sahajolī (3.92-95): A version to practice after sexual intercourse. It involves applying sacred ashes to the body.

Amarolī (3.96-103): Literally “the gesture of immortality”. It involves ingesting one’s own urine (the “middle stream” according to the texts). This practice has parallels in Ayurvedic tradition (śivāmbu).

These additional practices belong to a specific tantric context and are not for general practice.

In the classical texts

“Even one who lives a life of enjoyment, without the observances of yoga, if he practices Vajrolī well, obtains the siddhis.” — Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.83

“There are two things difficult to obtain: milk that is appropriate and a woman who acts according to one’s desire.” — Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.84

“The bindu that is about to fall into the vulva should be drawn upward with practice. If the bindu falls, one can collect it and preserve it through Vajrolī.” — Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.85-86

“Whoever preserves his bindu thus, what cannot he achieve in this world? Through the preservation of bindu, the body develops a pleasant aroma.” — Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.90

“The yogi conquers death as long as the bindu remains in the body.” — Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.88

Integration in practice

The accessible version of Vajrolī can be integrated:

In āsana practice: during seated and standing postures, as gentle Mūla Bandha.

In prāṇāyāma: especially during kumbhaka.

As an independent practice: series of contractions and relaxations (similar to Kegel exercises).

In daily life: subtle activation during everyday activities.

Precautions

  • Active urinary infections
  • Prostatitis or acute prostate problems
  • Pelvic inflammation
  • After pelvic or prostate surgery

Practice should be gradual. Excessive tension can create problems. Subtlety is more important than strength.

The advanced versions described in classical texts (urethral aspiration, ritual sexual practices) carry significant risks and should not be attempted without direct traditional guidance.