Yoga in Sanskrit means "to join," a connection specifically referring to the mind, body and spirit, and the interconnectedness of the spirit to the universe. Mudra, also a Sanskrit word, means "seal" or "symbol." It is a type of gesture performed by the body, hands and fingers. Mudras are said to stimulate energy, while locking it within, as a form of protection, healing and a way of promoting calmness and tranquility. The regular practice of yoga mudras can also bring about a higher state of consciousness and greater spiritual awareness, activating and raising kundalini life force energy, to advance greater spiritual awareness and a higher state of consciousness.
The Power of Mudra
Hand gestures have been apparent throughout history, used by various ancient cultures, having religious, symbolic and esoteric meaning. Mudras have been used in Hindu and Buddhist traditions for centuries. They are also a part of ceremonial rituals, worship and classical Indian dance. Mudras communicate expressions while stimulating energy flow in neural centers and glandular systems, healing and assisting in the development of psychic awareness.
Elements and Fingers
In yogic text, all five fingers represent the five elements, with the thumb being fire, the index finger being air, the middle finger relating to ether, the ring finger connecting to the Earth and the little finger representing water. These five elements are also a basic principle of the Ayurveda healing system, and when any one of the elements is out of balance, disease and illness manifest. Connecting the thumb to a finger or fingers to form a mudra, helps reestablish balance, assisting in healing.
The Prayer Mudra
Dr. Rita Khanna described the benefits of the prayer mudra in an article on the Yoga Teacher Training website. This mudra begins and ends each yoga session. It is used to start specific asanas, poses, and while delivering the Hindu salutation "namaste," which means, "The divine in me honors the divine in you." This mudra demonstrates respect and humility. It also helps to establish inner balance. As Khanna explained, the left hand corresponds with the right hemisphere of the brain and the right hand with the left. Bringing both palms and fingertips together triggers neural activity, sending energy to the sensory cortex and the body's corresponding organs and body parts. Neural pathways are created when the hands touch the body, locking energy inside. When both hands are pressed together, a closed circuit of energy is established, bringing balance to both hemispheres to improve concentration and encourage relaxation.
The Chin Mudra
The chin mudra creates a sense of calm and is used in preparation for meditation. In this mudra, the thumb connects with the forefinger forming a circle, which as Sanskrit scholar Chris Tompkins explained in an article on the Himalayan Institute website, is deeply symbolic. The forefinger represents the ego, and the thumb represents the Universal Creator. Bringing both together encourages a greater awareness of the connection between the spiritual self and universal consciousness. Turning your palm upward increases receptiveness to higher consciousness, while turning palms downward instills grounding.
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