| Gnana mudra (Knowledge mudra): |
How: “Touch the tip of the thumb to the tip of the index finger Keep the other three fingers stretched out. Place the hands on the knees, palms facing downwards” Benefits: This mudra is the most commonly used in meditation. The tip of thumb has centers of pituitary and endocrine glands. When we press these centers by index finger
the two glands work actively. It also creates a pranic circuit that maintains and redirects prana within the body. Regular practice can heal psychological disorders like hysteria and depression” |
| Chin mudra | How: Place the hands on the knees in gnana mudra, keeping the palms facing upwards instead of downwards.In this mudra, the index finger may also be bent to form a circle which touches the first joint of the thumb, instead of the tip of the thumb.” |
| Prana mudra |
How: Touch the tips of the thumb, ring finger and little finger and Keep the index finger and the middle finger extended.”
Benefits: “This mudra activates the root chakra and increases vitality. It can be practiced upto half an hour a day, or thrice a day for fifteen minutes.”
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| Apana mudra |
How: Place the thumb, middle finger and ring finger are together but the index ginger and little finger are extended. ” This can be done for forty-five minutes or three times a day for fifteen minutes.”
Benefits:“This is called the energy mudra. It helps remove toxins from the body.
It also has a balancing effect on the mind and helps develop inner balance and confidence.” |
| Prithvi mudra | How: “Place the tip of the thumb on top of the ring finger with a little pressure The other three fingers should be relaxed and extended
This can be done with both hands thrice a day for about fifteen minutes”
Benefits: “This mudra activates the mooladhara chakra (root center) which is the basic energy source for all physical activities. It gives abundant energy and enhances the potential of all the other chakras.” |
| Varuna mudra | How: “•Bend the little finger of your right hand until the tip touches the base of the right thumb •Then place the thumb of the right hand on it. •With the left thumb press the little finger and thumb lightly while the left hand gently encircles the right hand from below, covering the back of the right palm. Benefits: This mudra helps to get rid of the excess mucous that collects in the stomach or lungs.
Mucous accumulation is normally associated with over-stimulated nerves and by people who are too conscious of their responsibility.” |
| Vayu mudra | How: • Bend the index finger of each hand till its tip touches the ball of the thumb. • Then press the thumb lightly onto the index finger. The other three fingers
should be extended and relaxed.
Benefits: This mudra helps eliminate flatulence. If the condition is chronic, it should be done thrice daily for fifteen minutes. Once the problem is overcome, the mudra should be discontinued.” |
| Shunya mudra | How: The middle finger should be bent until it touches the ball of the thumb. • Then with the thumb lightly press down on the middle finger. The other
fingers remain relaxed and extended.
• This should be done with both hands.
Benefits: • This mudra heals ear and hearing problems and can be done thrice daily for fifteen minutes.” |
| Hakini mudra | How: Place the fingertips of both hands together. • Direct the eyes should be directed upward, with the tip of the tongue
placed on the gums while inhaling. • Make the tongue fall again while exhaling and then take a deep breath.
Benefits: This mudra aids in contemplation, improving concentration and memory.” |
| Shankh mudra | How: Encircle the thumb with the four fingers of the right hand. • Touch the right thumb to the extended middle finger to the extended middle
ringer of the left hand. • Now, together, the two hands resemble a conch shell.
• Hold the hands in front of your sternum and chant Om with it. This can be
done three times every day for fifteen minutes. Benefits: In this mudra, the positioning and clasping of the fingers simulate a conch shell. It heals problems of the throat.” |
| Bhoodi mudra | How: The tip of the thumb should be placed on the little finger while the other fingers remain relaxed and extended. -Do this with each hand. This can be done three times a day for fifteen
minutes. Benefits: This mudra helps maintain the fluid balance in the body. |
| Linga mudra | How: •Interlace the fingers of both your hands, extending one thumb upwards. Encircle the extended thumb with the index finger and thumb of your other hand. •One thumb remains upright, encircled by the thumb and index finger of the
other hand. •Keep both hands in front of the chest
Benefits: This mudra boosts the immune system and generates heat in the body, protecting against respiratory infections. It is also helpful in weight reduction.” |
| Dhyani Mudra | How: Place your right hand on your lap with the open palm facing upward. •Place your open left hand on your right palm with the open palm facing
upward. •Allow the tips of the thumbs of both hands to touch each other forming an empty
bowl. • Take your awareness to the ajna chakra (energy center between the eyebrows)
Benefits: This is a powerful mudra to sublimate the ego. The bowl shape made by the hands indicates that we are empty to receive new energy. It also helps balance the
active-passive energies and connect to the Self.”
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