6 Powerful Mudras To Practice On Your Journey To Enlightenment

1. 6PowerfulMudrasToPracticeOnYour Journey ToEnlightenment Surely, you’ve seen it before — a peaceful Buddhist or Hindu statue holding up what may be perceived as a spiritual gang sign. Although to the casual passerby it may seem to be just another statue reppin’ the zen, the hand sign actually represents something fardeeper. Yogis refer to these hand signs asmudras. In the stages of yoga, these symbolic body postures appear in many forms (not just the hands) and their mastery is essential to becoming a yogi and reachingenlightenment. Thankfully, most mudrās are relatively simple to learn. In this article, we’ve outlined the basic concept of mudrās, as well as some mudrās you can practice on your journey toenlightenment. What Are Mudrās? An Ancient MudraDefinition

2. Mudrās are hand gestures (and body positions) applied in many yogic practices. They are used as tools in yoga and meditation to achieve higher states of consciousness and, ultimately, enlightenment. You are probably familiar with a few mudrās already. The Namaste/prayer gesture with the hands together over the heart, and the meditative hand position of the thumb and index finger lightly touching (Om) are commonly seen, even in Westernculture. Mudras are described in detail in ancient yogic texts and scriptures, such as the Gheranda Samhita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and Shiva Samhita. The integration of mudrās into yoga has given these hand gestures meaning in a deeper context, both symbolically andculturally. The Sanskrit mudra definition translates to “gesture” or “seal.” Mudrās are used in the Buddhist and Hindu practice of yoga to create an “energetic seal” within the body. That is, they close (or seal) a circuit of energy existing between two or more points in thebody. Mudrās are ultimately utilized to awaken the divine spiritual power (that is within each of us) and balance energy within the body. The use of mudras is thought to have numerous physical health benefits, as well, and are even used as remedies for physical sickness anddisease. Fun fact — Mudrās are also found in traditional Asian martial arts practices. Many forms of Japanese martial art employ the use of mudrās to focus energy within the body and manifest that energy outside of thebody.

3. How Do Hand MudrasWork? According to Ayurvedic medicine, our hands hold the endpoints of energetic pathways carrying prana (life force energy) through our body. These energy pathways are called meridians (the same meridians used in acupuncture andreflexology). Modern medicine has shown that our hands contain hundreds of thousands of nerve endings. These nerves originate in the brain, circulate the body (along with blood vessels), and end as highly sensitive and receptive points in the hands andfingertips. Our fingers are also believed to have connection points to the 5 elements: fire, air, space/ether, earth, andwater. Hasta mudrās, or “hand mudras,” manipulate the flow of prana by connecting different meridians with different elements. The purpose of hand mudras is to redirect the flow of certain energies from the hands back into thebody. Physical Point Thumbs IndexFingers Elemental Connection Fire Air Space/Ether Connection MeridianConnection Lung Meridian: Breath Large IntestineMeridian MiddleFingers Pericardium Meridian: Circulation and Sex

4. Triple Burner Meridian: Throat, Chest, and Earth Pelvis Heart and SmallIntestineMeridian Water RingFingers PinkyFingers What Is A YogaMudra? Mudrās are incorporated into the practice of yoga to bring balance, intention, and life energy into our being. While all mudras can be used in yoga, the classical yogic texts place an emphasis on just 20 hand mudras out of the thousandsdepicted. Yoga mudrasare also used as symbols in statues of the Buddha and of Hindu deities. Typically, statues of Buddhas often depict the mudrā they held during their moment ofenlightenment. These statues are placed in houses and temples, and the mudras they pose are meant to balance energy and create intention. For example, schools in Asia often have statues of Buddha at the entrance of each building holding the Vitarka Mudrā, the mudrā of teaching. Since the effect of mudras is often subtle and lightly felt, mudras are often practiced in stillness and with breath work(pranayama).

5. A great infographic on how to best combine pranayama with mudras by spiritual teacher, Deborah King (author of Mindvalley’s Be A Modern MasterProgram), can be foundhere. You can also use mudras in conjunction with active yogapractices. To begin directing the flow of prana in the body, a single mudrā should be intentionally held for at least 10minutes. One of the most vital elements of practicing mudras is to present and mindful. Practice them with intention. “Presence is essential for your health. Close your eyes and breathe. You are here”, explains Deborah King. The most commonly used hand mudras in yoga are describedbelow. 1. GyanMudrā Seal ofKnowledge The Gyan mudrais used for meditating, integrating wisdom gained while in meditation, bringing awareness to the breath. This yoga mudrā is often paired with deep breathing while focusing on sending the diaphragm as deep into the root chakrawith everybreath.

6. The Gyan Mudrā activates the root chakra by directing the flow of prana toward the legs and base. It also stimulates the element air in thebody. How to doit Typically sitting cross-legged in the lotus position, place the tips of your index finger and thumb together while keeping your other fingers relaxed andstraight. The direction your palms face varies in different types of yoga — facing your palms upward will help you connect to celestial wisdom while facing them downward will create a grounding effect. 2. ShuniMudrā Seal ofPatience This yoga mudrā is used to purify emotions and thoughts. It is believed to be linked to the planet Saturn, which confers energies of patience and commitment to self. Discipline and determination are also said to arise from practicing thismudrā. The Shuni Mudrā activates both fire andspace. How to doit

7. This mudrā is performed by touching the tip of the middle finger to the thumb tip while keeping the other three fingers straight andrelaxed. 3. Prithvi Mudrā Seal ofEarth This yoga mudrā is used to bring the earth element into the body. It is considered to be a powerful Mudrā because our connection with Earth strengthens our bodies and fosters many healingbenefits. This mudrā can be used to help fight fatigue, pain, and problems with skin and hair (among numerous other ailments, like paralysis andosteoporosis). The Prithvi Mudrā stimulates the root chakra and brings energy to one’s primalinstincts. How to doit While sitting, ideally in the lotus position, place the tips of your thumb and ring finger together while keeping the other fingers straight and relaxed. Keep your palm facing outward, fingers up, and comfortably hold your hand around chestlevel. To activate the full healing effects of this mudrā, it is suggested hold it for 30 minutes ormore.

8. 4. SuryaMudrā Seal of Fire This yoga mudrā is similar to the Prithvi Mudrā in hand position, however, the difference in hand position activates the fire element (thumb) while neutralizing the earth element (ringfinger). The Surya Mudrā is used to improve digestion and metabolism and can help with weight loss.It can also help fight colds by increasing core body temperature (hence, activating the fire element). How to doit Bend your ring finger so that your top knuckle touches the pad of your thumb. Keep your other fingers straight andrelaxed. 5. PranaMudrā Seal of LifeEnergy

9. This yoga mudrā is used to bring a connection to the life force that drives our being. It awakens the dormant energy contained withinus. The Prana Mudrāis thought to improve mental focus and ease nervousness andfatigue. How to doit Connect the tip of your thumb with both the ring and pinky finger (like making a peace sign). Keep the index and middle fingerextended. 6. DhyanaMudrā Seal ofMeditation

10. The Dhyana Mudrais one of the oldest Mudrās and was used before yogis integrated it into meditation. This mudrā is used to bring deep contemplation and reflection, as well as the inner peace associated with the meditative mindstate. Practicing this mudrā will help you improve the ability to focus within meditation. The Dhyana Mudrā is also a powerful symbolic gesture found throughout Buddhist and East Asian culture. It is believed that the Gautama Buddha reached enlightenment while practicing the Dhyana Mudrā, which is why it is found so prominently in icons ofBuddha. How to doit Place your right hand over your left hand, with just the fingers overlapping. Keep the palms facing up and resting in your lap, while connecting your thumbs together in a triangularshape. This is typically used in seated meditation but can be incorporated into standing or walking meditations, as well.