Which mudra is for you?
If you’ve been practicing yoga for a while, you’ve probably heard the term mudra and are aware that it is a hand and finger gesture. If you want to learn how to use them, here’s a great resource for you.
The Sanskrit word mudra, translates to “gesture” or “expression.” Mudras are hand gestures used in yoga and meditation to channel energy and stimulate multiple areas of the body and mind. Mudras are also referred to as “seals” or “shortcuts” because they assist in the making of a circuit by bypassing specific energy channels in the body.
For thousands of years, mudras have been used in various spiritual practices such as Vedic period, tantra, temple worship, and yoga. Mudras are described in a number of ancient writings, including the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Gheranda Samhita, and the Shiva Samhita.
The Tattva Yoga Mudra Vignana also explains the five tattvas (elements) that each mudra represents. Earth, water, fire, air, and ether are among the tattvas, and they are thought to correspond to different parts of the body and mind.
Hastha-mudra is a technique that involves folding your fingers in certain positions to activate your hands’ nerves and improve your body’s energy flow.
| Element | Finger |
|---|---|
| Fire | Thumb |
| Air | Index |
| Space/Ether | Middle |
| Earth | Ring |
| Water | Little |
Let’s take Jnana Mudra known as Chin mudra,when performed ,the palm should be facing up and the tips of the thumb touching the tip of the index finger. It is said that this movement will balance the body’s elements.
According to scientific evidence, this mudra can provide benefits such as stress reduction, improved sleep, emotional stability, and memory function. The mudra is believed to stimulate the brain and increase intelligence, resulting in a sense of mental energy and freshness.
In spiritual terms, the thumb represents the supreme soul, while the other fingers represent the individual egoistic soul. Mudra practiced in conjunction with good posture and breathing techniques such as Ujayi pranayama can enhance the effects of the mudra by providing the necessary nerve tension and promoting the flow of prana, or life energy.
Mudras are a captivating and powerful aspect of yoga and meditation practice. Mudras allow you to tap into the flow of energy in your body and mind, resulting in a greater sense of balance and harmony.
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