The most sacred symbols in history, brimming with immense spiritual powers of healing, the holy symbols of the celestial gods, and the very heart and soul of Hinduism, Mudras have firmly established their role as one of the strongest and most effective conduits of your internal energy. In combination with your Chakras and Yoga, Mudras can bring about an immense transformation to your life- a transformation into an enlightened, spiritual being.
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What is a Mudra?
Mudra or Mudras are ancient, sacred gestures, symbols or poses often made with your hands or body. Mudras are especially important in Hinduism and Buddhism, where they are often practiced in iconographic representations of deities, spiritual practices, dance, music, and yoga.
The most popular Mudras are used in Yoga and other spiritual practices to control and channel the flow of “Prana” – the life force that runs through all living beings – through your body and mind. Dating back to the years of the ancient Vedic scriptures, Mudras are unique, with each Mudra having a unique effect on your body and mind. If practiced correctly, Mudras can clear your energy pathways and change your life for the better.
Although most Mudras are performed by a series of hand gestures and movements, some Mudras use a combination of hand gestures with the movement of the elbows, wrists, and even your entire body. Together, the use of Mudras and Yoga has been used for centuries to preserve and heal.
Origin of Term Mudra
Dating back centuries, Mudras have deep roots in the ancient Vedic scriptures and had been derived from the Sanskrit word “Mudrā”, which directly translates to “mark” or “to seal”.
With the ability to imbibe you with paramount energy and power, Mudras are often referred to as the “energetic seal of authenticity”- a testament to its impact on the mind, body, and soul.
What is the Significance of hand gestures in Mudras?
With unbridled healing powers, Mudras have the power to heal physical injuries and ailments by using the correct hand gestures. It is believed that the fingers act as “electric circuits” that redirect the flow of energy to where it is required.
Similarly, if you have a physical ailment and you visualize the Mudras redirecting your energies to the area of your injury, they have the power to impart healing vibrations to your body, hence healing your injury.
In terms of Mudras, it is believed that each of your fingers has a particular, unique characteristic:
- The thumb is associated with Agni (Fire)
- The index finger is associated with Vayu (Air)
- The middle finger is associated with Awash (Ether)
- The ring finger is associated with Prithvi (Earth)
- The little finger is associated with Jal (Water)
It is believed that each part of your body is closely related to the different elements of nature- fire, air, earth, water, and space. In the science of Ayurveda, It is a common belief that physical ailments and diseases are caused by a deficiency or an excess of any of these elements in your body. Hence, using right-hand gestures can help you direct these energies to the parts of your body lacking them.
In Hinduism, it is said that your body consists of “channels” or “pathways” of psychic energy called the “Nadis”. These channels transfer the spiritual or psychic energies of your chakras throughout your body including your brain. It is believed that when you apply pressure on your fingertips (in the form of various Mudras) with intent in your mind, you have the power to control the flow of energy through the Nadis in your body.
Balancing and re-directing these energies throughout your body with the help of these Mudras directly causes your internal energy to change and affect different parts of your body- ranging from your internal organs to your muscles and glands- allowing your body to return to its natural state of peace and wellness.
Different Yoga Mudras and their Benefits
Practicing Yoga with a combination of Mudras can imbibe your body with an immense amount of spiritual and healing energies, including positive vibrations and spiritual enlightenment. Mudras forge a subtle but powerful connection with the part of your brain that controls your instincts and impacts your unconscious reflexes. This allows you to balance your internal energies, which in turn promotes good health and peace of mind.
Most Yoga Mudras are practiced in a seated, cross-legged, upright position- usually in the Vajrasana or Lotus pose. While practicing these Yoga Mudras, you must remain aware of your breathing and try to visualize the flow of energy through your body.
Some of the most useful Yoga Mudras you can practice at home are:
Chin Mudra
In this position, begin in a cross-legged position with your back straightened out. Following this, proceed to touch your thumb to your index finger while extending the rest of your fingers. Exerting only light pressure, place your hands on your thighs and begin to breathe in and out slowly. Proceed to do this for twelve breaths.
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Benefits
- Sharper focus and improved concentration.
- Improved sleep pattern.
- Increase in energy and strength.
- Alleviates backache.
- Helps you overcome dullness and low energy.
- Creates a more receptive state of mind in your body.
- Improves mood and serenity.
Chinmaya Mudra
In this position, begin cross-legged with your back straightened out. Following this, proceed to touch the tip of your index finger to your thumb, forming a ring. Slowly curl your remaining fingers into your palm and place your hands on your thighs. Exerting little to no pressure, breath in and out twelve times.
Benefits
- Improved energy flow throughout your body, improved focus and concentration.
- Helps to ensure proper digestion in your body.
- Promotes the flow of Prana (essential life force) throughout your body.
- Promotes lung function in the midsection of your lungs.
- Imbibes thoracic region function.
- Relieves stress and anxiety.
- Helps to promote calmness and peace of mind.
Adi Mudra
In this Mudra, begin cross-legged with your back straightened out. Proceed to place your thumb inside your palm, touching your little finger. Following this, curl the rest of your fingers into your palm, forming a fist. Make sure you do not exert too much pressure and place your hands on your thighs. Proceed to hold this position for twelve breaths.
Benefits
- Relaxes the nervous system, reduces anxiety and promotes peace.
- Helps to reduce snoring and sleep apnea.
- Improves oxygen circulation throughout the body.
- Increases lung capacity and lung function.
- Helps to balance and heal your internal organs.
- It stimulates the brain and activates the Sahasrara Chakra.
- It brings true balance to your body.
Brahma Mudra
In this position, begin cross-legged with your back straightened out. Proceed to place your hands in the Adi Mudra and touch your knuckles together. Following this, bring your hands down to your navel and tuck them into your stomach. Following this, take a deep breath and hold this position for twelve breaths.
Benefits
- Detoxifies the body and rids the body of impurities and negative thoughts.
- Improves focus, concentration and calms the mind- promoting serenity and peace.
- Allows the proper flow of Prana (essential life force) throughout your body.
- Enhances your memory.
- Instantly improves energy flow.
- Relieves ailments in the neck area.
- Stimulates the digestive system.
- Improves lung function and aeration.
- This Mudra forges a “body-mind balance”, promoting a sense of peace.
- Relieves pain and stiffness in the neck, back, shoulders and head.
It is of utmost importance to understand while performing each Mudra, you must exert only enough force to feel the flow of energy. You must make sure that you are not exerting enough force to whiten your fingertips. The efficiency of Mudras also depends on the amount of time you spend on each position- it is most effective when it is held for 15 minutes or more. Another interesting benefit of Mudras is that there are certain mudras that you can practice with your hands in your pocket- allowing you to discreetly practice them throughout the day.
Mudras in Buddhism
In addition to being one of the most significant aspects of Hinduism, Mudras also play a very important role in Buddhism. To date, most popular depictions of Gautama Buddha always portray him performing a certain Mudra. In Buddhism, Mudras are considered to be symbolic of a certain phase or moment in Gautama Buddha’s epic life.
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Some of the most common Mudras used in Buddhism include:
- Abhaya Mudra: Also referred to as the Mudra of Fearlessness, the Abhaya Mudra is performed for protection, benevolence and to get rid of or overcome fear. It is also used as a symbol of good faith and is a common gesture made when meeting someone new.
- Bhumisparsha Mudra: Also referred to as the “Earth Witness” Mudra, the Bhumisparsha Mudra is considered to be the most iconic Mudra in Hinduism. This Mudra is symbolic of the moment Gautama Buddha achieved true enlightenment.
- Vajra Mudra: Also referred to as the Thunder Mudra, this Mudra is used as a symbol of forgiveness.
- Varada Mudra: Also referred to as the Mudra of Generosity, this Mudra is a symbol of welcoming, generosity, kindness, offering, charity and compassion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mudras have been used for centuries by enlightened practitioners and even the deities themselves, to convey a symbolic message and to transform themselves into better human beings. With the right amount of practice and intent, you will be able to incorporate Mudras into your life to transform it into a joyous experience- full of healing, positive vibrations, and enlightenment.
