Yoga mudra

What turns a regular (or non) yogi into a super yogi? Mudras. Yoga Mudras are gestures, usually done with the hands, that look really cool and can feel extraordinary. In this article, we’ll introduce you to yoga mudras –the history and how to hyper-charge your meditations with these simple, yet profound, additions. “I can change the world, with my own two hands. Make a better place, with my own two hands. Make a kinder place, oh with my, oh with my own two hands.” — Ben Harper You’ve seen statues of goddesses and photos of gurus sitting in meditation with their hands in interesting positions. You’ve been instructed to unite your thumb and index finger in a yoga class. You may have even noticed yourself spontaneously creating curious circuits… What are these gestures that go “hand in hand” with yoga? Yoga Mudras A hasta mudra, or “seal,” actively joins (seals) two parts of the hand or fingers. They are sacred motions that create pathways, facilitate the flow of energy through the body, and enhance one’s journey within. The hands – which yogis believe are an extension of the heart chakra that connect our inner thoughts to the outside world – are covered in acupressure and reflexology points, which may invoke the healing effects of some mudras, whilst others deepen our union with History and Science of Mudras Ancient in origin, most of the yoga mudras used today come from Hindu and Buddhist traditions. According to yoga’s sister science, your fingertips create an energetic ci...

This article needs additional citations for Please help Find sources: · · · · ( November 2022) ( This is a list of Hasta [ ] Hasta mudras (hand mudras) may be conducive for meditation, and help in internalization. Many hand mudrās evolved for use in rituals, especially within tantra. Others developed as iconographical symbols for depictions of deities in statues and paintings. Others were developed for non-verbal story telling in traditional dance. In the Hevajra Tantra hand mudrās are used to identify oneself to the goddesses at different holy sites. English Other Meanings Description Gesture of reverence Offering; Prayer Palms touching, fingers pointing upward. May be placed in front of the sternum, the forehead, or overhead. Psychic gesture of meditation Upturned hands overlapping each other, usually right on top of left, with the thumbs touching. Vāyu Mudra Psychic gesture of element air Tip of index finger on the ball of the thumb, with thumb over the bent finger. Other three fingers are extended. Shunya Mudra (or Shuni Mudra) Psychic gesture of void, empty Middle finger bent, with thumb over it. Other three fingers are extended. Sometimes, tip of the bent finger on the ball of the thumb. Prithvi Mudra Psychic gesture of element earth Ring finger bent, with thumb over it. Other three fingers are extended. Varuna Mudra Psychic gesture of element water Little finger bent, with thumb over it. Other three fingers are extended. Shakti Mudra Psychic gesture of power Tips of...

A mudra is a sacred and symbolic gesture found in yoga, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The most well-known mudras are used during yoga and meditation practice as a means of channeling the flow of vital life force energy known as prana. The term translates from Sanskrit as "gesture,"’"mark" or "seal". Across various religious and spiritual traditions, there are believed to be around 400 known mudras. In addition to their use as sacred and ritual gestures, they are employed in the iconography of Indian religions and are often used in Indian dance. Each individual mudra has unique symbolism and is thought to have a specific effect on the body and mind by clearing energetic pathways. Although hand ( hasta) mudras are the most common in yoga, there are also body ( kaya) and consciousness ( citta) mudras. Mudras are believed to have a powerful effect on prana and are therefore typically performed alongside pranayama or meditation in order to amplify the effects of these practices. Hasta mudras tend to accompany postures such as padmasana (Lotus Pose), vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose) or sukhasana (Easy Pose). In Hatha yoga, there are many mudras that involve the internal actions of the throat, eyes, tongue, abdomen, diaphragm, pelvic floor, genitals, anus and other parts of the body. Such mudras include mula bandha, maha mudra, viparita karani, vajroli mudra and khechari mudra, and are said to affect the flow of bindu (male psycho-sexual energy) and amrita (nectar of immortality) i...

The use of mudras, in the practice of yoga are a powerful tool for self-care and empowerment. With yoga the intention is to draw oneself inward. Mudras allow us to go inward and recharge our energy levels. The term mudra applies to the use of hand gestures during meditation that carry specific goals of channeling your body’s energy flow. There are more than 100 known Use these 10 energizing mudras to improve your mental clarity, energy and to increase your overall health. 1. Gyan This is probably the most familiar mudra in mainstream society. Meditators are often seen pairing this mudra with their practice. The intention of the Gyan mudra is to improve your concentration and sharpen your memory. This is a great mudra to use when seeking to gain knowledge. Try holding this mudra while meditating for insight into your life or a specific issue. Method: This mudra is performed by touching your index fingertip to the tip of your thumb, while holding your other three fingers straight. Elements: Space + Air 2. Buddhi This mudra is used for mental clarity. You perform this gesture when you need to understand intuitive messages from your subconscious (i.e., dreams or meditations that puzzle you). One of the most powerful benefits of this mudra can be found in the improvement of communication, such as improving internal and external dialogue. Method: This mudra is performed by touching your thumb to your pinky finger, while holding your other three fingers straight. Elements: Space ...

Image: fitsri Why do the hands and fingers of yogis take on a unique form when they sit for meditation or in some asanas and pranayamas? What do these hand gestures denote in yoga? The In this guide, we will explore what are mudras exactly, the different types of mudras in yoga and their meaning & benefits. We will also see the science behind mudras working and tips to do them effectively. What are mudras in yoga? A mudra is a gesture or in the simplest term, mudras are gestures which promote the flow of energy in the subtle body and deepen your yoga experience. A mudra means ‘seal’ (or energetic seal) as it locks the energy within and doesn’t let it leak out from the body. This internalization of energy improves the mind-body connection that keeps us focused and helps heal physical/mental health conditions. Mudra in Sanskrit defines as “ Mudam anandam dadati iti mudra” means the specific actions that give us pleasure or bliss called mudra. According to the ancient tantric text “Kularnava Tantra”, the word ‘ mudra‘ is derived from two Sanskrit words mudam and drava. mudam means ‘bliss’ or ‘happiness’ and ‘ drava‘ means ‘to draw forth’. It implies that mudras have the power to bring forth the hidden joy or happiness that lies within us. When we do a mudra, it channelizes the Prana (life force) to flow in a rhythmic manner. The longer we hold the mudra the better gets the prana flow. And when prana continues to flow in a pattern inside the body, it brings a shift in consciou...

You may have seen hands and fingers take an interesting shape or form during yoga practice or meditation . The likes of hands in prayer position before Surya Namaskar or connecting the thumb and index fingers of both hands in meditation? Well, these positions of the hands and fingers are sacred gestures called mudras. Like other practices in yoga, they have purpose and significance. In this blog, we’ll explore what mudras are, their importance in yoga and meditation, as well as a few of the best mudras for chakra balancing and everyday practice. Ayurveda and Mudras Ayurveda explains the body as being made up of five elements; fire, air, space, earth and water. A healthy body has a balance of these elements. Conversely, a dominating or weakening element would cause an imbalance in the body and have a negative impact on one’s health. This would express as illness or disease. There are five elements and five fingers. Each finger represents an according element. In yoga philosophy, it is said that through each finger, runs the prana for each element. By manipulating the pranas we can increase or decrease the prana to a specific part of the body. That is why a mudra is also referred to as a seal. We are sealing or locking the pranas for a specific purpose. When a specific mudra is used for a specific purpose, it can help restore the balance of the five elements of the body using prana. The fingers represent, accordingly, each element: • The Thumb - represents the fire element •...