Mudras

While driving one day I looked down at my hands that rested on the steering wheel of my car. They were the hands of a mature woman. I noticed the bulging veins, excess skin, and wrinkles; the curve of the nail bed, the knuckle knots caused by arthritis. My aging hands, those old friends, prompted me to think about all of the amazing things that they have done for me over the years. Clapping, scratching, and rubbing came to mind immediately, but there are hundreds of other uses for my hands - many of which I had taken for granted. How many nights did I pat my daughters butts while rocking them to sleep? How many times did I dry tears - theirs and mine? How many times did I change the volume on the TV or radio?  How many times did I fold my hands in prayer? How many times did I move the Hat or the Scottie dog around the Monopoly board? How many times did I play Jacks or Pick-Up-Sticks?

As I pondered the many uses of these amazing instruments, I recalled a recent yoga class. While there I used my hands for balance, (I still can’t stand on one foot), to achieve the perfect form, for meditative postures, and Mudras. But what is Mudra? Mudra is a Sanskrit word meaning gesture. It’s a way of holding your hands, or more specifically your fingers, as a means to direct or channel energy flow throughout your body. Yoga philosophy says that different areas of the hands stimulate different areas of the brain. So, I did some research and found loads of information about the four most common types of Mudras - Gyan, Shuni, Surya Ravi, and Buddhi. These Mudras, or gestures, can be done at any time and at any place - some place quiet where you can relax and focus. Along with Pranayama (your breath regulation), Mudras should be held for a few seconds or longer with both hands simultaneously. The rest of your fingers should be straight, but not rigid. Don’t forget to breathe!

Gyan Mudra is known as the Seal of Knowledge. This Mudra involves the thumb (symbol of divinity), and the index finger (the symbol of humanity). By lightly placing the tips of these two fingers together you can inspire creativity, increase concentration, empower the mind, nervous system, and the pituitary gland, which produces critical hormones that control various bodily functions. This simple gesture moves energy to your legs and lower back, calms your mind and encourages wisdom and expanded consciousness.

Shuni Mudra is know as the Seal of Patience. Place the thumb (divinity) lightly against the tip of the middle finger (Aakash or the space element within the body). This is meant to encourage patience, discernment, focus and discipline. It’s benefits include helping to encourage patience and the courage to fulfill one’s responsibilities. It also helps to promote noble thoughts by turning negative emotions into positive ones. This Mudra is intended to give the sensation of stability and strength.

Surya Ravi Mudra is known as the Seal of Life. It symbolizes and encourages energy, balance, health and vitality. By lightly pressing the tips of the thumb (divinity) and the ring finger (earth, energy, strength and endurance), together, this gesture helps to build and invigorate bodily tissues and speed up metabolism. It promotes positivity and intuition and helps to encourage positive change in your life.

Buddhi Mudra is known as the Seal of Mental Clarity. This gesture involves lightly pressing the tip of the thumb (divinity) against the tip of the pinky finger (the symbol for water and communication) and is meant to symbolize and encourage openness and fluid conversation. It’s benefits are clear and effective communication, gaining higher understanding and discerning intuitive messages to gain knowledge.

So, now you know that your hands can be used to help things on the inside of your body as well as for things that occur on the outside of your body. These Mudras are hands-down (no pun intended), a fine practice on your spiritual path.