Meaning of Mudras: The importance of hand gestures in our meditations

  • 2019
Table of contents hide 1 Meaning of the Mudras: Chin Mudra 2 Meaning of the Mudras: Anjali Mudra 3 Meaning of the Mudras: Akash Mudra 4 Meaning of the Mudras: Apana Mudra 5 Meaning of the Mudras: Prana Mudra 6 Meaning of the Mudras: Vayu Mudra 7 Meaning of the Mudras: Surya Mudra

"The hands, the instruments of the mind, without them the thought is a chimera."

- Alain Aslan

Would you like to know what the meaning of mudras is ?

Well, our hands have the ability to heal . This is not a simple curiosity, in fact this innate power has been used since the beginning of time to treat different health conditions.

' Mudra ' is a Sanskrit word, which is translated as ' seal ', ' mark ' or ' gesture '. Having said that, the meaning of mudras is related to the fact that they are ritual or symbolic gestures that are used in Hindu and Buddhist cultures . Not all mudras involve only the hands, like the ones we will see today.

However, mudras are not only gestures, but they have spiritual charge and act as authentic energy seals, as taught by Hindu religions.

That way, our hands can be tools that with their power generate tranquility and heal us.

Mudras have always been an integral part of many Buddhist and Hindu rituals, used very frequently in Yoga, dance and meditation. And throughout the different disciplines, it is said that there are around three hundred and ninety-nine mudras .

Well, in this article we will see the meaning of the most common and most used mudras .

Meaning of the Mudras: Chin Mudra

We could not talk about the meaning of mudras without starting with Chin Mudra . It is perhaps the best known of all, and its use today transcends yogic practice. ' Chin ' is the Sanskrit for ' consciousness '. In this mudra, we join the individual soul (index finger) with the upper soul (thumb).

To use Chin Mudra we must place ourselves in a sitting position . Then, bring the tip of the index finger towards the fingertip. Then, turn your palms up, and let them rest with your back on your knees.

It can also be practiced with asanas, as with the dancer or the inverted warrior.

Among its benefits, we find that it increases concentration and energy, since it directs prana, purifies our sleep patterns and frees us from tensions and stress.

Meaning of the Mudras: Anjali Mudra

Anjali Mudra is also widely used in yoga sessions. It is included in the greeting Namaste, in addition to the yogic sequences of the Sun Salutation, the Tree Pose, among others.

This mudra is related to the potential of the intention to progress to a spiritual awakening . When done correctly, the palms are not completely in contact with each other. But the contact is at the level of the knuckles and fingertips, creating a small space between the palms and fingers that resemble a flower to open . This symbolizes the opening of our hearts, and is a position of respect towards us and others.

This mudra is also known as Pranam Mudra, Namaste Mudra and the prayer position, and most of the time we do it with our hands in our heart chakra, to represent the balance between the left and right hemispheres. This balance is not only physical, but also emotional and mental.

Meaning of the Mudras: Akash Mudra

Akash Mudra is a position that is widely used in Ayurveda and the practice of Spiritual Yoga to enhance the space element, or cosmos, within our body. The name comes from the subscribed word aakash (or akash ) which means vision n or recognition .

In this mudra, the tip of the middle finger in both hands is pressed with the tip of the thumb, while the other fingers are held straight.

Increasing the space element in the body helps the practitioner to unite with a specific deity or greater cosmic force. In addition, it is believed to help eliminate negative emotions such as anger, anguish or fear. It also detoxifies the body and frees us from the problems of arrhythmia, chest pain and high blood pressure.

This mudra activates the throat chakra, which governs communication, expression, truth and purification.

Meaning of the Mudras: Apana Mudra

Apana Mudra, also known as the purification mudra is a hand gesture that detoxifies and purifies the body, in addition to balancing the elements of space and earth in it.

When performing this mudra, the tip of the major and ring fingers bend to make contact with the thumb. The index and little fingers stay straight. This mudra is usually practiced with both hands.

Apana Mudra generates energy in the liver and gallbladder, and brings us balance and harmony . It also improves digestion and is believed to be able to assist in cases where labor is delayed.

Meaning of the Mudras: Prana Mudra

Prana Mudra is a simple technique or gesture used in the practice of yoga, which is used to increase vitality and activate the root chakra . The term ' prana ' comes from the Sanskrit for ' life force ' or ' energy '. To perform this mudra, the ring and little fingers bend to come into contact with the thumb, while the index and middle fingers remain erect.

Prana Mudra is one of the Hasta Mudras (Mudras of the Hand) that is believed to have great healing properties. Its practice is recommended in padmasana (lotus flower position).

Among the properties that this mudra offers us we find that it reduces fatigue and anxiety states, increases the ability to concentrate and self-confidence, improves circulation, combats insomnia and improves our immune system, among others.

Meaning of the Mudras: Vayu Mudra

Vayu Mudra is a position that is believed to help us regulate and reduce the air element inside the body. Its name comes from the Sanskrit ' vayu ', which means ' air '.

This is one of the easiest mudras to perform. The tip of the index finger of each finger should be placed at the base of the thumb. Then, the base of the thumb should gently press the tip of this finger. The rest of the fingers should remain stretched.

This posture is recommended for those yogis who suffer from those conditions caused by excess air element in their bodies. Some of these conditions are Parkinson's disease, stress and anxiety, chronic pain, and conditions in the endocrine system.

Meaning of the Mudras: Surya Mudra

Surya Mudra (also known as Agni Vardhak Mudra or Prithvi Shamak Mudra ) is a position of the hand that enhances the fire element and regulates the earth element of our body . The Sanskrit term ' surya ' means ' sun '.

This mudra is performed by flexing our ring finger so that its tip comes into contact with the base of the thumb. By a small pressure on the base of the thumb, the resident earth element of the ring finger is removed, and the fire element of the thumb is enhanced.

Among the benefits that this mudra brings us, we find that it regulates body temperature, which makes it very effective for treating fever. It also improves metabolism, and strengthens the eyes and the sense of vision.

There are numerous mudras that can enhance our health and bring us great benefits in our well-being . Do not hesitate to investigate and apply them in your practices.

AUTHOR: Lucas, editor of the great family of hermandadblanca.org

SOURCES:

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mudra
  • https://www.azulfit.com/hand-mudras-power-and-meaning/
  • https://www.intuitiveflow.com/the-magic-of-the-hand-mudras/
  • https://ambujayoga.com/blog/chin-vs-jnana-mudra/
  • https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/6852/aakash-mudra
  • https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/6867/apana-mudra
  • https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/8488/prana-mudra
  • https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/6864/vayu-mudra
  • https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/6869/surya-mudra

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