|
|
|
| Free E-magazine |
| Subscribe to our Free E-Magazine on Yoga. |
| Learn More |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Home > Mudras > Meaning & Purpose
| |
| | Meaning & Purpose of Mudras
| |
| |
The word Mudra literally means seal. It has a number of different connotations in yoga, which include bandhas (locks) and meditation practices. However, Mudras are most commonly associated with hand gestures. The fingers are related to different types of energies and when they are brought together in specific ways, they produce subtle effects.
Mudras can help balance the flow of energy through the nadis that nourish our internal organs. They can also be performed to achieve specific states of consciousness. They also help eliminate negative thought forms and aid mood elevation. Given below are the few Mudras that should ideally be practiced with the spine and head erect. The eyes are focused downward toward the nostrils or at the Sun centre between the eyebrows to activate the third eye. It may also be helpful if the feet touch the floor or if the practitioner assumes a half or full lotus position. These Mudras are easy to do and can change our lives forever if done regularly.
Mudra for Joy
 Bend elbows and open arms to side. Position hands at shoulder level with palms facing forward. Press the little and ring fingers down into palms and cross your thumb tightly over them. Lift middle and index fingers straight up toward the heavens like the peace sign. Inhale slowly for eight counts. Exhale for eight counts. Smile as you feel the glow of your inner light.
Mudra for Recharging
 Fist your right hand with thumb pointing upwards. Wrap your left palm around the right hand`s fist thumb pointing upwards. Touch the two thumbs together straighten elbows and push arms and hands away from chest. Feel the left hand resisting the strong push of the right fist. Push shoulders back to increase resistance. Avoid hunching shoulders; keep chest and rib cage lifted. Focusing eyes on thumbs, inhale slowly for eight counts and exhale for eight counts. Feel energy radiating from base of spine into hands and arms as you recharge.
Mudra for Trust
 Lift hands overhead and place right palm over back of left hand (reverse for men). Elbows bend softly and shoulders press down away from ears. One should imagine creating a triangle over ones crown chakra in an attempt to connect to it. Breathe short, fast breaths of fire, while focusing on the navel, to build inner trust.
The benefits of practicing mudras are as follows:
Mudras can bring about miraculous changes and improvement in our body.
Mudras generate power to provide peace and happiness.
Mudras are miraculous remedies. They provide instant relief in many illnesses.
Mudras can cure almost any ailment from simple earache to heart attack.
Mudras help in moulding the physical, mental and even the moral aspects of an individual.
Some Mudras can balance the elements of the body within 45 minutes while others act within a few seconds.
Practise of some Mudras on a regular basis can cure insomnia, arthritis and memory loss.
Mudras bring about a fundamental revision of the destructive changes in the human body. They also develop piety and a courteous disposition.
Mudras help in Kundalini Yoga to awaken the cosmic energy.
| |
| |
|
