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Hand Mudras

The definition of mudra carries many meanings. A seal. A gesture. A symbol. A position of the hand or hands. Dristis (eye positions), asana (body postures) and even Pranayama (breathing rhythms) are also called mudras. Each of these lead to higher states or consciousness, and affect not only the mind and spirit connection, but the body as well. These positions and gestures engage the soul (and the brain) and stimulate an influence on them. Hand mudras in conjunction with asana intensify the healing effects of both. This information will focus chiefly on the hand positions, but the dristis, asana, and Pranayama also carry their positive effects.

The origin of the hand mudra is not known; however, evidence has been found throughout the entire world. Asia and European history carries a variety of hand and arm gestures. Today the gesture of the hand shake, itself, seals an agreement. In India mudras are a chief part of all religious activities. Each Tibetan deity holds certain characteristics of strength and can be found in paintings and statues holding corresponding hand positions to further signify their gifts and blessings.

The following positions are called Chin Mudra and Jnana Mudra. In both of these mudras, the positive effects are experienced on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels. The thumb represents The Divine, the index finger the individual soul, and Their union is the goal of Yoga – the unification of God with mankind. The three remaining fingers represent the three gunas which create balance and movement in all life. These are Tamas (heavy, lethargic), Rajas (light, active), and Sattva (harmony, balance).

The passive receptive position, with tips touching, is a subtle and gracious opening to receive the knowledge of the Divine. In the active giving position the thumb is over the index finger and the index finger has light pressure against the thumb. This moves our intuitive knowledge forward to the world.

Chin Mudra

The thumb and index finger in each hand form a circle. The hands turn downward. The thumb represents the Divine Consciousness (Atman); the index finger represents the individual consciousness (Brahman). Joined together they signify the unity of the cosmos with humanity. This gesture expresses the sadhaka’s desire to fully unite with the Divine.

Chin Mudra Passive Receptive

Chin Mudra Active Giving

Jnana Mudra

The thumb and index finger in each hand form a circle. The hands turn upward. As in Chin Mudra, the thumb represents the Divine Consciousness and the index finger represents the individual consciousness. Joined together they signify the unity of God and man. This gesture also expresses the sadhaka’s desire to fully unite with the Divine.

Jnana MudraPassive Receptive

Jnana MudraActive Giving

These positions will improve and even remedy all states of mental tension and disorder. They will also promote better memory and concentration. Practiced regularly, the mind will clear, sleep habits will stabilize and depression will lift.

Although these positions are specific, the placement and gesture itself is empty without intention. In practice the hands must be relaxed, and the pressure light. Often, at first, the hands can get crampy, or not want to stay without due pressure and assistance. Be as light as possible and stick to the comfortable ones first, until the hands become more pliable and at ease. Tension in the hands will travel to the corresponding body region or organ and may slow healing or exacerbate the existing problem. Approach them gently and attentively. Treat yourself and your hands in a loving way.

Although you can practice at any time and any where, the practice is more than just a postural mudra. It is a sacred mudra, and its practice is exemplified if you are in a sacred space. This isn’t to say you can not practice in a crowded room or a traffic jam. A sacred space comes from your frame of mind. Therefore, you may be walking, sitting, riding in a car, or running. It is your intention that motivates the healing and sacred properties of the mudras. The length of time the mudra is held varies from discipline to discipline. Some masters are convinced a mudra must be held for 45 minutes daily to accomplish a desired response. Others believe the practice must be used throughout the day.

I have found that staying aware and in tuned with myself is the key. The practice of the hand mudras has profoundly affected my life and yoga practice. It has further honed and refined things I can’t articulate. Over the years I have experienced growth and maturity in places that needed it. Practice with consistency and loving kindness and your intended desire will manifest.

Any discipline that is practiced with intent and consistency will bear its fruit. Yoga is no different. Attention to the moral precepts, to the health of the body, to silence, to action, to our unique responses in each of these things cannot leave us unmoved or unchanged. Anything that is refined and refined becomes more pure. Yoga and its teachings create such purity. This is not to say that difficulty and disturbance do not arise. They will and do. The critical choice for the practitioner is this: Will we continue to be opened by these disturbances and stay attentive and present as the filters of the practice further clarify the entire being?
~LK Tyree