To put it simply, mudras are hand positions that are used during meditation to “reinforce specific healing states of mind,” says meditation teacher and transformational coach Sah D’Simone. … Each finger represents a different element, Unplug Meditation teacher Megan Monahan says.

How do mudras help in meditation?

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 mudras that have been developed over the centuries.

How many mudras are there in meditation?

Mudras have been an integral part of many Hindu and Buddhist rituals. They are used extensively in Yoga, meditation and dance. Across various disciplines it is said that there exist close to 399 mudras.

Which is the basic mudra for meditation?

SanskritEnglishDhyana MudraPsychic gesture of meditationVāyu MudraPsychic gesture of airShunya Mudra (or Shuni Mudra)Psychic gesture of void or emptyPrithvi MudraPsychic gesture of earth

Which mudra is most powerful?

Surabhi mudra [pictured right; described below] is a very effective and powerful mudra. By itself, this mudra helps an aspirant practitioner (sadhaka) to break any barriers that he/she may face when on the threshold of the ultimate meditation (samadhi).

Who created mudras?

The specific origins of mudras are unknown although they’ve been around for thousands of years and have appeared in varying religions and traditions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Egyptian hieroglyphics, Tantric rituals, Roman art, Asian martial arts, Taoism and Indian classical dance.

Which mudra is good for brain?

Hakini Mudra is also called as ‘Brain Power Mudra’ or ‘Mudra for the mind’ as it enhances the brain power. It is also called as ‘power gesture’ since it installs power in the mind. It is useful for those who are indulged in lot of mental works and multi tasking leading to stress and brain fatigue.

What are the 5 mudras?

• 1) GYAN MUDRA: This is the most common mudra and is believed to help increase one’s concentration, knowledge and memory. …
• PRANA MUDRA: This mudra is about prana, which means life force energy. …
• PRITHVI MUDRA: This mudra helps you connect with prithvi, which means the earth.

What are Buddhist mudras?

mudra, Sanskrit Mudrā, (“seal,” “mark,” or “gesture”), in Buddhism and Hinduism, a symbolic gesture of the hands and fingers used either in ceremonies and dance or in sculpture and painting. … A mudra often accompanies the spiritual utterance known as the mantra (q.v.).

Is there any science behind mudras?

Mudras, typically hand gestures used throughout various yoga practices, are effective in ways that go beyond spiritual. Over the past few years, there has been scientific evidence that these energy-channeling movements actually help to increase physical functions of the body.

Article first time published on

How should my hands be during meditation?

Relax your arms naturally to the sides with your wrists resting on your knees. Bring your index fingers and thumbs to touch. This specific mudra is said to generate knowledge, wisdom, receptivity and calmness. A variation of the position is to lower the index finger onto the thumb knuckle’s crease.

What asana is widely used in meditation?

The two seated asanas mentioned in the Goraksha Sataka, Padmasana and Siddhasana, are used for meditation and for pranayama.

What is the best time to do mudras?

Precautions with Mudras It’s best performed when you’re sitting, not standing. You also don’t want to practice these types of Mudras if you have Vata dosha (a high airy element in the body). It’s also best to only practice this Mudra early in the day and on an empty stomach.

How long should I meditate for?

Although it is not an exact science, the consensus seems that to see benefits from meditation, you should aim for at least 10 minutes a day at a minimum. However, each person will respond differently, so it’s important to test out longer meditation periods if 10 minutes does not seem to be making a difference for you.

What is Kundalini Mudra?

Kundalini mudra is a posture of the hands that awakens sexuality and unites feminity and masculinity. … The right thumb is placed on top of the left index finger, while the remaining four fingers of the right hand are wrapped around it, covering it from above.

What is a Hasta mudra?

An hasta mudra is a hand gesture used in yoga and Indian religions that can be symbolic, ritualistic and/or therapeutic. The term comes from the Sanskrit word, hasta, meaning “hand,” and mudra, meaning “closure,” “mark” or “seal.”

Which mudra increases concentration?

Chin mudra is one of the most common hand gestures in yoga and meditation. Sitting in chin mudra can help improve your focus and concentration and hence it can be ideal to improve your productivity at work. Chin mudra is excellent to help you sleep and also improve your sleep pattern.

How long does it take for Mudras to work?

“Some of the mudras can balance an element in the body in 45 minutes or less, while others have an immediate effect,” says Joshi.

Which mudra is best for anxiety?

Benefits: The Apan Vayu Mudra, commonly referred to as Mritsanjeevani mudra, is an extremely powerful mudra that helps decrease anxiety brought upon by an imbalance due to Vata doshas within the body.

What is Buddha holding in hand?

He is seated on an open lotus flower and also holds one in his hand – the lotus is the symbol of purity. He has one hand raised in a gesture of reassurance, literally meaning have no fear.

How many Buddha mudras are there?

Mudra is used in the iconography of Hindu and Buddhist art of the Indian subcontinent and described in the scriptures, such as Nātyaśāstra, which lists 24 asaṁyuta (“separated”, meaning “one-hand”) and 13 saṁyuta (“joined”, meaning “two-hand”) mudras. Mudra positions are usually formed by both the hand and the fingers.

Are mudras religious?

Mudrās (Sanskrit, मुद्रा, literally “seal”) are religious gestures, normally made with the hands or fingers, used in meditation, iconography, dance, and ritual, which are said to have deeper symbolic meaning and power. …

Why does Buddha Hold one hand up?

Commonly found mudras or representations of Buddha are hands folded in the lap which signifies meditation, a palm held up facing outward signifies the act of teaching or reassurance or an open palm pointed downward signifies generosity.

What is Dharma Chakra mudra?

Dharma Chakra mudra means “the wheel of law”. It represents a circle, a symbol for continuity. This mudra reflects the continuous flow of energy in the body. It is also called the “Kalachakra”, which means “The Cycles of Time”. Dharma Chakra mudra represents the union of inner world with the outer world.

Which mudra is used in pranayama?

2. Chin mudra. The psychic gesture of consciousness. This mudra is used in either seated meditation or pranayama such as ujjayi or Adham pranayama.

What each finger means in meditation?

Incorporate Hand Mudras Into Your Meditation Practice to Level up Your Life. … Each finger represents a different element, Unplug Meditation teacher Megan Monahan says. The thumb symbolizes space; the index is air; the middle finger is fire; the ring finger is water; and the pinky stands for earth.

How do mudras control anger?

Mushthi mudra: This is another mudra that helps in releasing pent-up emotions like suppressed anger, frustration, irritation and negative emotions. Clench your hands into a fist, keeping your thumb over the other fingers, and hold this asana for five to ten minutes for relief.

Which mudra is good for sleep?

Gyan mudra is considered a seal of wisdom and knowledge that helps you attain your peace of mind, often performed during meditation. It is a soothing and relaxing hand gesture that offers a sense of grounding and eliminates tension leading to discomfort in your sleep cycle.

How many mudras can be done in a day?

Yoga Mudras: 5 Mudras for Daily Wellbeing.

What is Vayu Mudra?

Vayu Mudra is a hasta mudra (hand gesture) that is practiced as part of meditation, for therapeutic benefit, or with yoga poses to free the body of accumulated air and unwanted gas. In Sanskrit, vaju = air/wind/gas, and in Ayurveda, it refers to the air element.

How do you do Apan Mudra?

Procedure of Apan Mudra In the sitting position, place your hands on your thighs or knees. Let your palms face upwards. Close your eyes and take few deep relaxed breaths. Focus on your breathing and be aware of the process.