Mudra has a profound meaning in various cultures and spiritual practises, and it is an integral part of many aspects of human life, including spiritual and meditative practises, dance, and traditional healing. . The deepest meaning of the word mudra is that of “signature”, "divine seal", symbolic or ritual gesture, which often involves positioning hands or body. They give us access to the deeper levels of consciousness, energy and emotions, connecting the physical and spiritual worlds.
These seemingly simple symbolic gestures contain a world of deep meanings and powerful transformative potential, greatly contributing to the establishment of integrative links between Man and the Universe, generating resonance, synchronisation with certain macrocosmic energies.
It is also said that mudra is "that attitude that occurs when any movement of the body disappears".
Mudras are more than just gestures, they are energy conduits, healing tools and pathways to self-discovery. They offer a unique way to harmonise body, mind and spirit by directing vital energies through the precise positioning of hands and fingers.
When performed with appropriate concentration and awareness, as well as the necessary condition of understanding the meaning and purpose of the mudra achieved, each mudra will awaken in our being a certain inner state that will be accompanied by a corresponding state of consciousness.
It is customary to express emotions such as happiness, joy and enthusiasm through body language, the same is true in the opposite sense: our emotional and physical states can be influenced by the gestures and postures we make.
By engaging your hands in a specific mudra between 5 and 20 minutes a day, we can influence our physical and mental well-being, promoting relaxation, clarity and vitality.
Mudras come in a wide variety of forms, each with its own specific meanings and applications.
Here are some common categories and types of mudras:
- Hasta Mudras /Hand Mudras: These mudras involve the positioning and movement of the fingers and hands. They can be categorised as:
a. Asamyutta mudra: Mudra made with one hand.
b. Samyutta mudra: Mudras made with both hands that can be:
- mudras made symmetrically (like Jnana mudra)
- mudras done asymmetrically (like Bhartri mudra)
Some popular hasta mudras include:
- Anjali Mudra: The palms pressed together at the heart center, representing respect and devotion.
- Gyan Mudra: The tip of the index finger touching the tip of the thumb, symbolizing knowledge and wisdom.
- Abhaya Mudra: The hand raised with the palm facing outward, signifying fearlessness and protection.
- Dhyan Mudra: The hands resting on the lap with the palms facing upward, promoting meditation and inner contemplation
Kaya Mudras - Postural Mudras: These mudras involve specific postures or movements performed with the whole body. They are often used for yoga, these body poses being combined with concentration and controlled breathing techniques. For example: Yoga mudra, Prana mudra.
Bandha Mudras - Lock Mudras: Bandha mudras involve the contraction and release of specific muscles in the body, often used in yoga to direct and control the flow of energy. Popular bandha mudras include Mula Bandha (root lock) and Uddiyana Bandha (abdominal lock).
Adhara Mudras - Perineal Mudras: These mudras focus on the perineal area and are used in practices like Kundalini yoga to stimulate and control the flow of energy along the spinal column. For exemple: Ashwini mudra, Vajroli mudra, Yoni mudra.
Mana Mudras - Head Mudras: These mudras involve the head and facial expressions, they use their eyes, nose, lips and nose. Here we can enumerate: Shambhavi mudra, Kaki Mudra, Unamani mudra.
Prana Mudras - Breath Mudras: Prana mudras are used in pranayama (breath control) and meditation to regulate and channel the breath and vital energy (prana). An example is the Nadi Shodhana mudra, which involves specific hand positions during alternate nostril breathing.
Dhyana Mudras - Meditation Mudras: These mudras are intended to improve the meditative experience by encouraging concentration and inner peace. Examples include the Chin Mudra and Bhairava Mudra.
The world of mudras is extensive and diverse, with countless variations and applications, each carrying its unique symbolism and significance in different spiritual and cultural.
Join us on Part 2 of our journey into the fascinating Universe of Mudras, revealing: Meaning of hands in Mudras language