what are the different mudras

There are 5 types of mudras:

1. Hasta mudras are mudras made with the hands. Hasta mudras are used in meditation. ...
2. Mana mudras are mudras involving the head. They are called head mudras because they involve different parts of the face. ...
3. Kaya mudras or postural mudras are a combination of physical postures with breathing and concentration.
4. Bandha mudras or lock mudras combine mudra and bandha. ...
5. Adhara mudras are perineal mudras. ...

Full Answer

How do different mudras help us?

Types Of Yoga Mudras

• Gyan Mudra. This yoga mudra is linked with the stimulation of the air element in your body. ...
• Vayu Mudra. The practice of Vayu mudra works on the balance of the air element in your body. ...
• Prana Mudra. It is a symbol of life. ...
• Shunya Mudra. In the Hindi language, Shunya means zero or nil. ...
• Apan Mudra. ...
• Surya Mudra. ...
• Varun Mudra. ...
• Ling Mudra. ...

What are examples of hand mudras and their meanings?

The Meaning of Mudras in Buddhist Art

• Vajra Mudra. This Vairocana Buddha displays the mudra of supreme wisdom. In the vajra mudra, the right index finger is wrapped by left hand.
• Varada Mudra. A buddha with a right hand displaying the varada mudra. ...
• Vitarka Mudra. A Buddha in Bangkok, Thailand, displays the vitarka mudra. ...

Do mudras actually work?

Today we are talking about How Mudras work – those gestures or mystical positions of your hands – actually work. Mudras engage certain areas of your brain and can exercise an influence on them. When you bend, cross, extend, and touch your fingers with other fingers the mudras you form engage and influence your body, mind, emotions, energy and spirit.

What are some of Buddha's mudras?

Mudras of the Great Buddha

1. Dharmachakra Mudra. Mudra of turning the Wheel of the Teaching. ...
2. Bhumisparsha Mudra. Literally Bhumisparsha translates into 'touching the earth'. ...
3. Varada Mudra. Source- pinterest.com Mudra of giving or generosity. ...
4. Dhyan Mudra. ...
5. Abhay Mudra. ...
6. BODHYAGRI. ...
7. VITARKA. ...
8. ANJALI. ...
9. Karana Mudra. ...
10. Vajra Mudra. ...

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What are the 10 mudras of yoga?

Space (Akash)- Middle FingerJnana/Gyan Mudra (Psychic gesture of Knowledge) This is one of the most fundamental yoga mudras for increasing concentration and knowledge. ... Chinmaya Mudra (Awareness) ... Vayu Mudra (Air) ... Agni Mudra (Fire) ... Varun Mudra ( Water) ... Prana Mudra (Life) ... Shunya Mudra (Sky) ... Surya Mudra (Sun)More items...•

What are the 4 mudras?

4 Mudras to Add More Meaning to Your PracticeGaruda Mudra. Garuda Mudra is named after the eagle that Vishnu—the lord of preservation—rides. ... Prana Mudra. Prana Mudra is great if you need a quick pick-me-up, as it elicits the vitality that resides within our prana, or life force. ... Tattva Mudra. ... Ganesha Mudra.

What are the five mudras?

Prithvi Mudra.Varuna Mudra.Prana mudra.Vayu mudra.Akasha mudra.

Which mudra should I use?

The Prana mudra is said to be one of the most important mudras due to its ability to activate dormant energy in your body. Prana is the vital life force within all living things. This mudra will help awaken and enliven your personal prana, and put you more in tune with the prana around you.

How many mudras exist?

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. Lets have a look at the key mudras and how they can benefit us.

Which mudra is best for anxiety?

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.

Which mudra is best for sleeping?

Mudras for sleepDhyani Mudra.Ushas Mudra.Ksepana Mudra.Musti Mudra.Shambhavi Mudra.Shanmukhi Mudra.Anjali Mudra.Yoni Mudra.More items...•

Which mudra is good for stress?

Try out these 5 hand mudras to de-stress anywhere, anytime!01/65 hand mudras to de-stress anywhere, anytime! ... 02/6​Gyan Mudra. ... 03/6​Prana Mudra. ... 04/6​Prithvi mudra. ... 05/6​Vayu Mudra. ... 06/6​Surya Mudra.

Is Namaste a mudra?

One of the most commonly used gestures is called Anjali mudra. You may also know it as Namaste position, prayer hands, or simply pressing the palms together. Chances are, you've used this simple hand position to express gratitude, devotion, or as a greeting.

How long do you hold mudras?

The duration for performing Mudras Whichever mudra you wish to perform, it takes at least 30 seconds to trigger the sensations. Mudras should be held at least for 2 minutes to notice results in calming, soothing or activating the body. Mudras can be held for as long as one can, up to 45 minutes in a day's time.

Which mudra is good for weight loss?

Linga mudra helps in weight loss by improving the body's metabolism. The heat generated with this mudra obstructs the growth of a toxic substance called 'Ama,' which is known to accumulate fat in the body. To perform the Linga mudra, you will need to first sit in a comfortable position with the legs crossed.

How long do mudras take 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. “Practising mudras regularly can cure sleeplessness, arthritis, memory loss, heart problems, incurable infections, blood pressure, diabetes and many other ailments.

How many mudras are there in dance?

Mudras are primarily classified into three types: single-hand mudras (Asamyukta-mudra), of which there are 24; joint-hand mudras (Samyukta-mudra), of which there are 13; and dance mudras (Nirta-hastha), of which there are 29.

How many mudra we can do in a day?

It can be practised for 15 minutes, three times a day or as needed. Kundalini Mudra: This mudra is associated with the awakening of sexual force.

Is Namaste a mudra?

One of the most commonly used gestures is called Anjali mudra. You may also know it as Namaste position, prayer hands, or simply pressing the palms together. Chances are, you've used this simple hand position to express gratitude, devotion, or as a greeting.

How many mudras are there in Buddhism?

Similarly, in Hinduism and Tantrism, there are at most 108 mudras for the statues and the Tantric rituals while the Buddhist statues are seen to be portraying only 4 to 5 mudras in general.

What is a mudra?

Mudras are symbolic gestures often practiced with the hands and fingers. Connecting the fingers in certain combinations, you can activate the meridians and direct energy throughout the body, restore the flow of energy and eliminate “breakdowns” in diseased organs.

What is mudra in yoga?

In the tradition of Yoga Tattva Mudra Vigyan or Yoga Mudra, mudras are performed along with the practice of asanas, pranayama, concentration, and meditation. Mudras strengthen the connection of internal organs with their corresponding centers in the brain. The correct practice of mudras will help you to restore the correct work of organs, ...

Why is Kechari Mudra considered a mudra?

Kechari mudra is considered preeminent among the mudras, particularly because it is an advanced technique meant to assist the practitioner in reaching a higher state of consciousness.

How is Gyan Mudra created?

This is how Gyan Mudra (Mudra of Knowledge) is created. When you connect the thumb and the middle finger then you activate the cosmic energy or ether. This is how Aakash mudra is created. If you connect the pads of the thumb and ring finger you will activate the energy of the Earth.

What does the Padma Mudra mean?

Padma Mudra (Lotus Mudra) The Lotus Mudra opens the Heart Chakra (Anahata). It is a symbol of purity, light, and beauty emerging from the darkness. The message of the lotus mudra is to stay connected to your roots, open yourself to the light and realize that the greatest sense of steadiness in life is an open heart.

What is Prana Mudra?

Prana Mudra (Mudra of Life) This mudra is designed to increase energy, restore energy potential, give strength, inspiration, increase endurance, and even improve vision. Prana mudra provides energy and health. Also, it reduces hunger pangs during fasting and gives you a good night’s sleep.

How to do a muda?

You can also hold the hand gesture whilst performing a walking meditation. Using both hands bring the tips of your middle and ring fingers to the tip of your thumb, keep your other fingers extended and relaxed. This Mudra can be held for up to 45 minutes a day. the time could be broken down into 15-minute sections. To feel the benefits it would be helpful to hold the position for at least 10 minutes a day.

What is a mudra?

Mudras are a specific position of the body often only involving the hands or fingers. They are used ritualistically and symbolically to channel the body’s energy flow. They are used in meditation, dance, and extensively in yoga. They do not have a specific origin, but they have been prominent within the religions of Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.

What Do You Use Mudras For?

As stated earlier mudras are used to direct the body’s energy flow which is the same basis behind yoga, qi gong, reiki, and meditation as well. Mudras are most commonly used during meditation to create certain effects and bring one into a deeper state of harmony.

How To Get Started Using Mudras?

You can incorporate these with pranayama techniques that work to extend the breath as well as the life force energy, or prana within you.

What is the mudra for the sacral chakra?

This mudra is for the water element. Water teaches us about fluidity, surrender, and creativity. It is related to the sacral chakra and feminine energy. Extend the pinky to touch the thumb while allowing the three remaining fingers to be straight.

What religions use mudras?

They do not have a specific origin, but they have been prominent within the religions of Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. They have also been prominent within Indian classical dance. They are used within Buddhist and Hindu rituals and often the Buddha is depicted with different mudras such as Abhaya, Bhumisparsha, and Dhyana mudra.

What is the physical aspect of yoga?

In yoga, the physical aspect, the asana practice, involves positioning your body in different positions to open the energy channels and direct the flow of apana and prana. For those of you who don’t know prana is like qi, it is the life force energy residing within all life itself.

What is the purpose of mudras?

Mudras have been an integral part of many Buddhist and Hindu rituals. They are used extensively in meditation and yoga. Every mudra moves the energy in a specific way throughout the body to create emotional, mental, and physical changes.

Why were mudras created?

Mudras were created by ancient yogis to restore physical health, calm the mind, and optimize energy. ”When the five fingers are touched and pressed in a peculiar way to form a Mudra, it affects the levels of the five elements in our body, thus balancing those elements and inducing good health,” wrote Advait in ”Mudras for Beginners.”.

How does Buddhi Mudra help?

It also helps with gaining a higher understanding. In traditional yogic practices, it is thought that Buddhi mudra helps us to increase concentration. How to do it – the tip of the thumb and the tip of the little finger touch with light pressure while the rest of the fingers remain extended.

How to do Shuni Mudra?

How to do it – touch the tip of the middle finger to the thumb tip while keeping the other 3 fingers straight and relaxed.

Why is the Prithvi Mudra called the Mudra?

The Prithvi Mudra is so-called due to the fact that it helps to equalize the element of Prithvi (earth) within the physical body.

What does Vayu Mudra do?

Vayu mudra decreases the air element in the body. The air component of the body becomes decently equilibrated with the practice of Vayu mudra.

What is the mudra effective in?

This mudra is effective in balancing the air elements in the body.

How to do a mudra?

Apana Mudra. Instructions: Connect the tip of your thumb to the tips of the middle and ring fingers while keeping the other fingers extended. Allow the backs of the hands to rest on your knees or thighs.

What is a mudra in yoga?

Yoga mudras are shapes that you make with your hands, called “hasta mudras”. Hasta is the Sanskrit word for “hand” and mudra means “gesture” or “seal”, and they are found in Hindu, Buddhist, and yogic traditions. According to the yogic philosophy of the 15th-century text the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, performing these mudras in yoga helps channel pranic ...

How does mudra help in yoga?

According to the yogic philosophy of the 15th-century text the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, performing these mudras in yoga helps channel pranic energy through the central energetic channel, which aids in the awakening of kundalini energy that then pierces all chakras and knots so that the mind becomes free of connections.

How to make a karana?

Instructions: With the right hand, connect the tip of your thumb to the tip of your middle finger. Allow the ring finger to bend and rest next to the middle finger and keep the pinky and index fingers stretched.

How to do a Vitarka Mudra?

Instructions: With your right hand, connect the tip of the thumb to the tip of your index finger. Bend your elbow and raise your hand to shoulder height with your middle, ring, and pinky fingers pointing upwards.

What is the purpose of Karana Mudra?

Benefits: Karana mudra, or “the gesture for warding off evil”, is believed to remove obstacles and expel negative energy. In our modern lives, this “evil” is most often things like anxiety, stress, and depression. Practice this mudra when you feel stuck in a cloud of overwhelm or negativity and you want to elevate your mindset.

Why do we use Gyan Mudra?

Benefits: Gyan mudra is called “the gesture of knowledge” as it’s believed to improve concentration and memory, to help gain insight and knowledge, and to connect the individual consciousness with universal consciousness. It can also improve our physical balance and balance the root chakra to relieve tension and depression. Try this mudra when you want to cultivate focus or when you’re feeling stressed or isolated and want to reconnect.

Why do we use mudras?

This mudra helps you build concentration in meditation and its used widely during pranayama and meditation. We use this mudra during the day as the fingers and palms face toward the sun’s energy.

How do mudras work?

Mudras function as a unifying force to bring together and balance the body through the hands. As we have two hands, so too do we have two sides of the body; solar energy on the right side and lunar energy on the left side. The Gyana Mudra for example, connects the right solar prana via the Pingala Nadi to the left lunar energy via the Ida Nadi. Mudras work to singularly stimulate solar or lunar energy too.

What is the mudra in meditation?

In this mudra we join the palms and fingers together in a prayer position in front of your heart. This mudra joins elements together and balances both sides of the body. It invokes the feeling of calmness and compassion and that is why we use it often in meditation.

How to do Dhyana Mudra?

This is referred to as the ‘concentration mudra.’ For Dhyana Mudra you bring your right hand above your left hand. Rest your right hand over the left hand. Bring the tips of your thumbs together and keep the fingers together. The fire element is connected via the thumbs and the other elements are at rest. This mudra engages the intellect and calms the mind. It is a mudra for meditation and there are iconic pictures and statues of Lord Buddha in Dhyana Mudra.

How many elements are there in a mudra?

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.

What is a mudra in yoga?

A mudra is a gesture or seal used in yoga. The practice of these gestures and seals channel the flow of prana life force. There are many mudras. They are categorized as hand hasta mudras, body (kaya) and consciousness (citta) mudras. We commonly use hand mudras.

What is the mudra for wisdom?

This is one of the most commonly practiced mudras. It is the mudra for wisdom. It involves connecting the thumb and index finger with the palms on the knees and palms facing up. Imagine holding a sheet of paper in between the fingers to get an idea of the gentle pressure to be applied between the fingers in this mudra.

What does a mudra mean?

A mudra is a Sanskrit word that means sign. You may have used a mudra in your yoga class. Or if you look at any images of the Buddha, he is always holding a mudra. On the superficial level, a mudra is often indicated as a hand gesture. However, mudras have deeper spiritual significance. You could even say that your life, or your home, ...

Why is the Mudra important?

This mudra may be helpful in your home when you need to strengthen your boundaries while still opening your heart with confidence. Boundaries are related to earth element and so this mudra can invite more fearlessness in how you engage with the world. Continue to 5 of 5 below. 05 of 05.

What is the meaning of the Abhaya Mudra?

Abhaya: Fearless Mudra. CHRIS TAYLOR / Getty Images. The abhaya mudra is a symbol of fearlessness and protection. The left hand is in the meditation (dhyana) mudra, while the right hand is upright with the palm facing outward. All fingers are pointing up towards the heavens.

What does the mudra symbolise?

The vitarka (teaching or discussion) mudra is used with Buddhist iconography to symbolize the transmission of the dharma, or the truth teachings of the Buddha. In this mudra, the thumb and index fingers touch, creating a circle that symbolizes an uninterrupted flow of wisdom.

What is the Dhyana?

Dhyana: Meditation Mudra. The dhyana (or meditation mudra) is commonly used in the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism, a path of compassion for all living beings. With this hand gesture, you place the right hand on top of the left hand, palms face up and thumbs lightly touching.

What is the best place to put a mudra?

Best placement: This mudra can invite receiving and discussing teachings for growth and awakening into your life. Rooms such as a library, study, and or the Gen/Knowledge area of the home would benefit from imagery of this mudra.

Where is the Buddha's mudra held?

This mudra is typically held in front of the heart. Best placement: The Buddha is said to have used this mudra when he first taught after his enlightenment. A wheel rotates, and so represents movement and transition. Similarly, the placement of the dharma chakra mudra in your home can inspire movement and flow.

How many types of mudras are there in yoga?

All mudras of yoga can be categorized into 5 types. This categorization is based on the body part we use in a specific mudra to channelize the energy (hand, sensory organs eyes like tongue, eyes, or ears, skeletal muscles, or perineal muscles).

What is Yoga Mudra?

A mudra is the gesture or energy seal of a specific body position that shows a state of consciousness of our subtle body. In yoga, mudras can be Hand gestures (Hasta Mudra), or gestures made by the head (Mana mudra), or the whole body (Kaya mudra) as in the yoga poses.

Why is mudra important in yoga?

Yoga mudra is a subtle but most vital part of yoga because it gives you the ability to direct the energy within the body in different ways. The asanas and pranayamas can be understood as a preparatory practice that cultivates awareness of having Prana within us. Then comes the practice of mudras which lets you interact and manipulate the pranic energy.

How does mudra help with pain?

Heals the bodily pain – From neck to lower back and legs, mudras are helpful in healing most kinds of body pain. Hand mudras can increase the range of motion in joints and relives any associated tension. Increases longevity – Yoga mudras are helpful in increasing the prana level in the body. It increases life expectancy.

Why do mudras help with diseases?

And, to prevent the lack of Prana, the loop that mudra creates doesn’t let Prana leaking out. This way a mudra helps in keeping the body diseases free, boost the energy level, and enhances concentration.

What is the name of the movement of the hands in yoga?

Yoga mudras practice comprises conscious effort of creating the energy circuits in body by the subtle physical action of hands, known as ‘gesture’, ‘seal’, or ‘mark’. A 1400 C.E. Tantric text kularnava Tantra 1 traces the word ‘Mudra’.

Which mudra contains the involvement of the pelvic floor area to stimulate the sacral chakra, which in turn harnesse?

Adhara or Perineal mudra contains the involvement of the pelvic floor area to stimulate the sacral chakra, which in turn harness sexual energy in the body.

Where do mudras come from?

It is commonly believed that mudras come from yoga. However, this is not entirely true. While the term “Mudra” is Hindu, historically speaking, the actual hand positions in mudras are ubiquitous. Humans have used these gestures for millions of years long before religions even existed.

How to do a mudra?

Here is what you need to know: 1 You should make sure that you have good posture anytime you use a mudra. Your spine should be in good alignment and your arms should be relaxed about one inch to the side of your body. 2 Before you begin, make sure that you are breathing deeply (diaphragmatically). 3 If you are using a mudra to produce energy or to refresh yourself, breathe out more vigorously. 4 Overall, breathing should be flowing, energised, deep, and slow. 5 When you inhale, you can apply a little more pressure in the hands and fingers. 6 When you exhale, relax the hands and fingers (while still maintaining the mudra). 7 As well as using these breathing tips, you can add visualisations and affirmations to your mudras. Though, the exact visualisation and affirmation will depend on the mudra you are using.

What does the Abhaya Mudra symbolize?

For instance, the Abhaya mudra, which we will look at later, symbolises fearlessness. Meanwhile, the Gyan mudra brings peace and serenity. For all mental states, there is a corresponding mudra. Not only do meditation mudras symbolise states of mind, they also help you to access those states of mind.

What is a yoga hand mudra?

The yoga hand mudras (hastas) are used meditation, Hatha Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Buddhism, Hinduism, Indian Classical Dance, and numerous other aspects of culture and spirituality. They are symbolic gestures that involve various parts of the body. Hasta Mudras, for instance, use the hands.

How to do the Apana Vayu Mudra?

The Apana Vayu Mudra / Heart Mudra is performed by pressing the tips of the ring and fourth finger to the tip of the thumb and curling the index finger over to press the base of the thumb while the little finger is stretched out. Practice this mudra for ten minutes at a time and it will help with the wellbeing of your heart. It regulates palpitations and helps digestion.

What is the Mudra of the Inner Self?

Mudra of the Inner Self: Opens the heart chakra and connects you with the divine.

When to practice Gyan Mudra?

Some of the best times to practice mudras are in the morning, during lunch break, after work, and before bed.