Hand positions, or mudras, are an important aspect of meditation. The Sanskrit word mudra means gesture, and these gestures are believed to influence the flow of energy within the body, promoting healing and spiritual development. While there is no single correct hand position for meditation, with comfort being the most important factor, mudras can be used to enhance the meditative experience, providing a focal point for concentration and a sense of purpose and direction.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Gesture of Knowledge | Gyan Mudra |
Gesture of Enlightenment | Dhyana Mudra |
Gesture of Generosity | Varada Mudra |
Gesture of Trust | Vajrapradama Mudra |
Gesture of Openness | Shuni Mudra |
Gesture of Awareness | Bhairava Mudra |
Gesture of Perception and Intellect | Buddhi Mudra |
Gesture of Consciousness | Chin Mudra |
Gesture of Reverence | Anjali Mudra |
Gesture of Vitality | Prana Mudra |
Gesture of Patience | Shuni Mudra |
What You'll Learn
Gyan Mudra: Gesture of Knowledge
Gyan Mudra, also known as the Gesture of Knowledge, is a sacred hand gesture or 'seal' used to direct energy and maintain focus. It is one of the most important and well-known mudras, found across Buddhist, Hindu and Yoga traditions. The word 'Gyan' or 'Jnana' is derived from Sanskrit and means 'knowledge' or 'wisdom'. The gesture is also referred to as the Mudra of Knowledge.
To perform Gyan Mudra, bring the tip of the thumb and index finger together on both hands, forming a circle. Keep the remaining three fingers outstretched with the palm facing upward. The hands are usually placed on the knees, with the back of the hands resting on them. The index finger is believed to relate to Jupiter, the planet of knowledge and expansion, while the thumb represents supreme consciousness. The Gyan Mudra symbolises the union of the individual soul with the supreme soul, evolving wisdom over ignorance and leading to enlightenment.
Gyan Mudra is traditionally practised in seated meditation, although some modern practitioners use it while holding standing asanas (postures). It is used to promote and maintain stability during meditation practices. The gesture is believed to create an energetic seal, encouraging a healthy flow of prana (vital life force) and balancing internal energy. It can be combined with pranayama breathing techniques such as ujjayi or kapalabhati and should be held for at least 15 to 30 minutes to experience maximum benefit.
Practising Gyan Mudra is said to have several benefits, including improved mental strength, concentration, memory, and overall mental well-being. It is believed to stimulate the root chakra, enhancing our sense of stability, security and interconnectedness. It may also help in alleviating negative emotions such as anxiety, stress and depression, and improving overall mental health. Additionally, Gyan Mudra is believed to enhance spiritual development and increase self-awareness by helping us connect with our inner self and access true knowledge.
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Dhyana Mudra: Gesture of Enlightenment
Dhyana Mudra, or the "Gesture of Meditation", is a sacred hand gesture or "seal" used in yoga and meditation practices. The name comes from the Sanskrit word "dhyana", which means "meditation". The gesture is meant to help channel the flow of vital life force energy, or "prana".
Dhyana Mudra is performed by placing the right hand, representing enlightenment and higher consciousness, over the left hand, which symbolises "maya", or the illusion of existence. The palms face upwards, with the thumbs touching to form a triangle, which is symbolic of the spiritual fire and the Three Jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, Sangha (community), and Dharma (teachings or good law). This triangle also represents the union of male and female principles, as well as the balance of dualities in the body, such as solar and lunar energy, hot and cold, and masculine and feminine energies.
The gesture is believed to have been used by Gautama Buddha during his meditation under the Bodhi tree, and is thus associated with the pursuit of enlightenment and freedom from suffering. It is also said that yogis used this mudra before Buddha to deepen their awareness during meditation.
Practising Dhyana Mudra is said to improve concentration, calm the mind, and reduce negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, and anger. It is recommended to be practised daily for at least 30 minutes, ideally in the morning, to improve the quality of meditation and enhance inner peace.
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Buddhi Mudra: Gesture of Perception/Intellect
The Buddhi Mudra is a hand position used in meditation to enhance perception and intellect. The term comes from the Sanskrit, with "buddhi" meaning "intellect" or "perception", and "mudra" meaning "gesture" or "seal". It is also known as the "seal of mental clarity", and is thought to improve intuition, mindfulness, and clarity.
The little finger and the thumb are brought together, with the other three fingers extended. The little finger represents water and communication, while the thumb symbolises divine nature and fire. This combination signifies fluid communication and access to inner knowledge.
The Buddhi Mudra is said to improve psychic and intuitive energy, and can be used to seek wisdom and insight during meditation. It is also believed to have healing properties, helping to cure or relieve ailments caused by a lack of water in the body, such as digestive issues, skin disorders, blood-related problems, and bladder and kidney disorders.
To perform the Buddhi Mudra, start by sitting comfortably. Settle into your space by focusing on your natural breathing pattern. Then, bring the tip of your thumb to touch the tip of your little finger, keeping the other three fingers pointed upward and close together. Your palm should be facing forward. Once you have made the gesture, relax into the space and allow your mind to find comfort and ease.
There is no specific time of day to practice the Buddhi Mudra, so you can experiment with different times to see what works best for you. It is recommended to incorporate this mudra into your yoga practice with your eyes closed for 5-100 breaths, or as long as you can hold the hand gesture comfortably.
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Cosmic Mudra: Used in Zen Buddhism
The cosmic mudra is a widely used hand position in Zen Buddhism. The right hand rests in the lap facing up, while the left hand sits lightly on top of it. The thumbs gently touch each other, forming an oval just below the navel. This gesture is symbolic of holding the universe in one's hands, as the navel is considered the spiritual and energetic centre of the body. The circle formed by the thumbs can also serve as a helpful reminder to stay alert during meditation, as it collapses when one's attention wanders or they become drowsy.
The cosmic mudra is also known as the "Buddha's mudra", with similarities to the ancient yogic dhyana hand mudra, which is said to be the same gesture the Buddha used at the time of his enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. The word dhyana translates to "meditation", as does Zen, making the use of this mudra fitting for a religion that translates to "meditation".
The cosmic mudra is used for Zazen, or seated meditation, in Zen Buddhism. It helps bring one's attention inward, promoting self-awareness and concentration. The circle formed by the thumbs can act as a gauge for the quality of one's concentration, as it collapses when the mind wanders. Additionally, the mudra helps stabilise the lower body and relaxes the upper body, relieving tension in the shoulders.
The gesture is also believed to aid in focusing energy inward and harnessing energy in the hara, or the centre of the energy body, located in the stomach and abdomen. This concept is prevalent in Taoist practices and forms of zazen.
Overall, the cosmic mudra is a powerful tool in Zen Buddhist meditation, aiding in concentration, self-awareness, and energy balancing.
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Anjali Mudra: Reverence Gesture
Anjali Mudra, also known as the "reverence gesture", is a sacred hand gesture in Eastern culture. The word "anjali" in Sanskrit means "to offer" or "to salute", while "mudra" means "seal". This gesture is widely recognised and used in yoga, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Eastern religions and arts.
Anjali Mudra is performed by pressing the palms of the hands together with the fingers pointing up. The hands are pressed together firmly and evenly, creating a small hollow between the palms. The thumbs rest lightly against the sternum at the heart chakra, though they may also be placed at the "third eye" or the crown chakra. The head is usually bowed slightly during this gesture.
Anjali Mudra is often used as a greeting or a farewell, expressing honour, appreciation, and respect. It is similar to the Western gesture of prayer and is comparable to the Sanskrit greeting "Namaste", which translates to "I bow to the divinity within you from the divinity within me". The gesture symbolises unification and connection to the divine, bringing together the two sides of the body and the brain's hemispheres.
In yoga, the Anjali Mudra is used to enhance concentration, grounding, and awareness of intention. It is believed to provide physical benefits such as improved flexibility in the hands, wrists, fingers, and arms, as well as expanding the space between the shoulder blades and stretching the wrists. The mudra is also said to stimulate the five elements of the universe, which are associated with the fingers: fire (thumb), air (index finger), space (middle finger), earth (ring finger), and water (little finger).
Anjali Mudra is a centuries-old technique that serves as a reminder to appreciate the present moment and connect to the divinity within oneself and others.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single best hand position for meditation. The most important thing is to find what works for you. You should put your hands in the position that's most comfortable for you.
Mudras are hand formations associated with yoga, Indian folk dancing, and meditation. They are meant to encourage certain states of mind and are believed to influence the flow of energy within the body to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Some examples of mudras include the Gyan Mudra, Dhyana Mudra, Varada Mudra, and Buddhi Mudra. Each mudra has a unique purpose and corresponding meaning, allowing you to adapt your meditation practice to your needs and intentions.