Mudras: Mudras - the science of hand and finger postures
'Mudra' simply means hand and finger postures. Like yogic body postures, it is also a discipline, to rejuvenate the body. You must have seen the statues of Buddha, Jesus, Mahavir, and Shiva et al among many others, wherein the hands and fingers are shown curled in a specific posture. For example, Lord Jesus Christ's image normally shows the hand pointing to the cave of the heart. Likewise, one of the popular images of Lord Buddha show's the fingers of the Left hand holding a pot of nectar, while palm of the right hand is resting on the lap, with fingers folded and pointing straight down. Another image shows the fingers of the right hand near the chest region and folded in a specific pose. Such finger postures not only have a therapeutic effect on the mind-body system but also accentuate mental keenness and acuity. This science of hand and finger postures is 'Mudra Vigyan'. In fact, there are innumerable mudras and each has a specific effect. This science can help you to cure bodily ailments in a wonderful manner. It actually helps in balancing the five elements ( panch-tattvas ) in the human system to their optimal levels. The elements can even be increased or decreased to cure appropriate ailments. When the elements are completely balanced, the yoga (unison) of mind, body and soul with the Supreme Soul can be achieved! But you will find that it gives equally astonishing results in achieving mental concentration. And the funny thing is, unlike yoga, you can practice mudras anywhere, anytime! So what are you waiting for? Just rub your hands, clap and start clicking… Some brilliant, very effective and simple mudras, which you can practice anytime and anywhere: GYAN MUDRA - One of the most important mudras. Widely accepted in all yogic meditation practices. Join the tip of forefinger and tip of the thumb. Hold together gently for at least 15-30 minutes. Advantages - Bestows intelligence and wisdom
- Purifies the mind of the practitioner
- Cures many mental ailments
- Gives a feeling of joy
- Cures intoxication and addictive habits
PURN GYAN MUDRA - The mudra of Lord Buddha. Sit cross-legged. Keep both hands in 'Gyan Mudra' Posture. Now keep right hand near chest region. Keep left hand near knee region. Advantages - Clears the aura in the subtle astral body
- Causes electrical changes in the electromagnetic activity of the brain leading to increased clarity and understanding
- Improves memory to a great extent
- Soothes irritable temperaments
Bestows intelligence and wisdom ABHAYA MUDRA - This is normally practised after Gayatri Mantra recitation. Raise both your hands to the sides of your head. Touch the forefinger to tip of thumb (just as in Gyan Mudra). Hold the hand vertically straight by the sides. Advantages - Mind becomes fearless
- Gives a feeling of courage and strength
DHYAAN MUDRA - Sit cross-legged. Place hands in Gyan Mudra, on your lap. Right palm should be resting above left palm in Gyan mudra Advantages - Gives tremendous peace and tranquility
- Helps increase concentration powers
- Cures depression and other mental ailments
- Practitioner can achieve the final state of eternal yogic bliss
PRITHVI MUDRA - Touch fore part of third finger (ring finger) to tip of thumb. Advantages - Helps balance the earth element in the body
- Normalizes body equilibrium
- Helps remove physical weakness
- Increases tolerance and patience
- Helps all who practice spiritual meditation
VARUN MUDRA - Touch the fore part of the smallest finger to the fore part of thumb. Advantages - Regular practice balances water element in body
- Enhances physical beauty
- Decreases dryness in skin and body
VAYU MUDRA - Fold the index finger (fore finger) on the pad of thumb. Press the forefinger gently on the pad. Keep the other finger aloof. Advantages - Helps in all nervous ailments
- Improves balance of air element in body
- Helpful in pains and aches
- Specific mudra for patients of Cerebral Palsy and Parkinson's ailment
PRAN MUDRA - Touch fore part of third (ring) finger and tip of fourth (little) finger to fore part of thumb. Advantages - Reduces body fatigue and energizes the whole body
- Very good for eyes
- Helps circulate the life current throughout the body optimally
LINGA MUDRA - Entwine (cross-link) all fingers of both hands keeping thumb straight. Advantages - Increases fire element in the body
- Very useful in cold, phlegm and cough ailments
MRITSANJIVINI MUDRA - Fold the index finger (fore finger) on the pad of thumb. Press the forefinger gently on the pad. Touch the fore part of third (longest) finger and fore part of fourth (ring) finger with the fore part of thumb. Advantages - It strengthens the heart
- Very useful in all heart ailments
- Helps normalize blood pressure
- Increases self-confidence
SURYA MUDRA - Touch the third (ring) finger to the pad of thumb. Press the thumb gently over this third (ring) finger. Keep the other fingers aloof. Advantages - Decreases Earth element in body
- Cures mental heaviness
- Reduces body fat
- Good for weight loss
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