Have you ever wondered about the mysterious hand gestures that are often done in mediation and in yoga classes?
Are they some kind of gateway to inner peace or are they just something cool to do with your fingers?
In fact, these hand gestures are called mudras. Mudras are rituals or symbolic gestures in Buddhism and Hinduism. They’re actually useful because they help channel cosmic energy within the mind and the body.
Specifically, the hand is made up of the 5 elements. The thumb is fire as well as universal consciousness. The index finger is air and individual consciousness. The middle finger is space and connection. The ring finger is earth and the small finger is water.
The energy from the body radiates out through the fingertips, lips, tip of the nose and toes. When the thumb(fire) gets in contact with the other fingers, energy is directed to parts of the body which is called circuit bypass.
Mudras are the expression of inner feelings. The fire element is the most important one because when the fire goes out, death sets in.
These 5 elements are important because when we are not in balance, physical and psychological ailments can manifest.
Channeling your body’s energy flow is the goal of Mudras. There are more than 100 known mudras that have been developed over the centuries.
Attune yourself with these 7 common mudras:
Gyana Mudra is performed by touching your index finger to your thumb while holding your other 3 fingers straight.
This is the most used mudra in yoga and symbolizes the unity of fire and air as well as the unity of universal and individual consciousness. The intention of this positioning is to improve your concentration and sharpen your memory. This is a great mudra to use when seeking knowledge. Keep your palms facing upwards when feeling receptive or rest your palm on your leg when you wish to feel more grounded.
Shuni Mudra is performed by touching your middle finger to your thumb while the other 3 fingers are straight and relaxed.
This mudra symbolizes patience and discipline and helps us generate a feeling of stability. It also purifies emotions and thoughts. Use this when you need strength to follow through on tasks.
Buddhi Mudra is performed by touching your pinky finger with your thumb while the other fingers are straight and relaxed.
Using this mudra enhances intuitive communication and helps with creating mental clarity from the subconscious like in dream interpretation or unpuzzling meditations. It can also help in formulating words for external and internal dialogue. This gesture can greatly help with expressing one’s needs, desires and goals.
Surya Mudra is performed by the thumb actually touching the knuckle of the ring finger while the other 3 fingers are relaxed and straight.
Symbolic of energy and health, this mudra provides us with a feeling of balance. This powerful mudra also increases metabolism, improves digestion and increases core body temperature so it’s great when you feel a cold coming on.
Prana Mudra is performed when the pinky finger and the ring finger touch the tip of the thumb while the other 2 fingers are straight.
This mudra activates the dormant energy within the body. It encourages the flow of the vital energy of prana, helping you feel energized and strong and help you become alert to the prana around you.
Dhyana Mudra is performed by simply sitting with your hands facing forward, your right resting in your left hand.
The right hand represents spirituality and enlightenment and the left hand represents maya or the illusion. Using this mudra helps with providing calm energy for deep contemplation and reflection resulting in tranquility and inner peace.
Anjali Mudra is performed by bringing your palms together in front of your heart space, your right hand and your left hand mirroring each other.
This positioning symbolizes respect toward yourself and toward the universe. Helping to express love and gratitude, this mudra shrinks away all obstacles.
Use these mudras daily based on which feelings you would like to generate or energy you would like to create. Involve both hands, keeping a slow and steady breath and hold each mudra for least 2-3 minutes while meditating or practicing yoga.
Just imagine what these mudras combined with a clear intention can accomplish. Namaste!