We all know how to make hand signals, be it a wave, come here, or even a middle finger, but mudras are hand signals with a deep spiritual meaning. In Sanskrit Mudra means ‘seal’, ‘mark’, or ‘gesture’. In Buddhism and Hinduism, they are symbolic gestures that are used either in ceremonies, dance, sculpture, or paintings and have been an integral part of many Hindu and Buddhist rituals. The specific origin of mudras is unknown, although they have been around for thousands of years, have appeared in various religions and traditions, and are used extensively in Yoga, meditation, dance, and across various disciplines. Most mudras are performed with the hands and fingers often in combination with movements of the wrists, elbows, and shoulders; some involve the entire body. They act to stimulate different parts of the body, which affects the flow of energy and even one’s mood. It is said that there exist close to 399 mudras, but I’m going to just touch on 10.
Find a quiet place and sit comfortably, either cross-legged or in a chair, what’s most important is your spine is straight, and your hands and arms are relaxed. Close your eyes and breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose. Follow your natural breath as it moves through your body then gently place your hand into whatever mudra takes your fancy or if you like you can apply one with my other guides on Meditation, Mantra, or Chakra.
Adi Mudra (First Gesture)
This is a symbolic and ritualistic hand gesture used to quiet the mind and nervous system. It also boosts the passage of oxygen to the brain, expands the lungs’ capacity, and can prevent snoring.
A light fist is formed by placing the thumb at the base of your little finger and curling the other fingers over the thumb. Now, with your palms facing upwards lay your hands on your knees.
Jnana/Gyan Mudra (Psychic gesture of Knowledge)
This mudra is one of the most fundamental yoga mudras for increasing concentration and knowledge.
Fold your index fingers so that they touch the inside root of your thumbs. Straighten each hand’s remaining three fingers so that they are relaxed and slightly apart. Now, with the palms facing down, place the hands on the knees.
Chinmaya Mudra (Awareness)
This mudra is one of the most effective mudras for physical and mental well-being, enhances digestion, and improves the flow of energy in the body.
Form a ring with the thumb and forefinger, then curl the other three fingers into the palms of the hands. Now, with your palms facing upwards lay your hands on your knees.
Prana Mudra (Life)
This mudra is for balancing your body’s life element and is a crucial mudra because it activates your body’s energy. It strengthens your immune system, enhances your vision, and helps you feel more energised by combating lethargy.
Bend your ring and little fingers and place the tips of both of these fingers on the tip of your thumb. Straighten each hand’s other two fingers, keeping them relaxed and slightly apart. Now, with the palms facing up, place the hands on the knees.
Prithvi Mudra (Earth)
This mudra helps to increase blood circulation throughout the body. It improves patience, tolerance, and concentration. It also aids in strengthening weak and lean bones. Surprisingly, it aids in the increase of body weight, as well as the reduction of weakness and mental dullness.
Make a connection between the tip of your ring finger and the tip of your thumb. Straighten each hand’s remaining three fingers so that they are relaxed and slightly apart. Now, with the palms facing up, place the hands on the knees.
Shunya Mudra (Sky)
This mudra is also known as the paradise mudra, and it can help you achieve a state of tranquillity if you practice it regularly. This mudra relieves earaches and helps with hearing due to age or disease. It also aids in the treatment of motion sickness and vertigo.
Using your thumb, press the first phalanx of your middle finger. Straighten each hand’s remaining three fingers so that they are relaxed and slightly apart. Now, with the palms facing up, place the hands on the knees.
Surya Mudra (Sun)
This mudra is for balancing the sun aspect of your body. To make use of the sun’s vitality, you must do it first thing in the morning. It aids in the reduction of bad cholesterol and weight gain, anxiety, and digestion.
Press your ring finger with the thumb. Straighten each hand’s remaining three fingers so that they are relaxed and slightly apart. Now, with the palms facing up, place the hands on the knees.
Vayu Mudra (Air)
This mudra is for balancing your body’s air element. It aids in the expulsion of excess air from the body, which relieves chest pain caused by trapped gas.
Fold your index finger in half, and with the base of your thumb, press the second phalanx bone of your index finger. Straighten each hand’s remaining three fingers so that they are relaxed and slightly apart. Now, with the palms facing up, place the hands on the knees.
Agni Mudra (Fire)
This mudra is for balancing your body’s fire element, and should only be done on an empty stomach, in a sitting position early in the morning. It aids in the reduction of abdominal fat, increases metabolism, and manages obesity. It also aids digestion and strengthens the body. Avoid if you have indigestion or acidity.
Fold your ring finger and press the base of your thumb against the second phalanx bone. Straighten each hand’s remaining three fingers so that they are relaxed and slightly apart. Now, with the palms facing up, place the hands on the knees.
Varun Mudra ( Water)
This mudra is for balancing the water element and aids in the activation of fluid circulation in the body, keeping it hydrated. It can be used to improve one’s appearance, by allowing your body’s fluids to circulate freely and keeping your skin hydrated and glowing. It prevents pimples, treats skin illnesses, infections and relieves muscle problems. Avoid pressing the tip of the little finger against the nail, instead of balancing your body’s water level, this could create dehydration.
Touch the tip of your little finger and the tip of your thumb together. Straighten each hand’s remaining three fingers so that they are relaxed and slightly apart. Now, with the palms facing up, place the hands on the knees.
Well, that’s a wrap on my guide’s series. I hope whoever read these guides has found them simple and useful.
I’ll be back soon with a new series ‘What is …..?’
Lots of love
