Enhance your meditation with 5 mudras
Did you know you can reach very different meditation states with just a switch of the gestures of the hands? You might have seen, or even performed these gestures in your yoga class, but you may not know the meaning and power they possess. These gestures are known as mudras
Mudras have been used for a long time in Hinduist and Buddhist traditions, as a way to cultivate internal practices, obtain health, sharpen concentration, and generate empowerment .
Mudra in Sanskrit means “seal” or “closure”, and signifies a specific position of the hand and fingers conceived in such a way that it activates certain parts of the brain and certain energy circuits inside the body. Some mudras can open up your heart, while others help you concentrate better, or bring more clarity.
There are over 100 existing mudras in the world! In this article we will show you five mudras you can use to enrich your daily meditation practice.
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Dhyana mudras is probably the most used mudra in meditation practices. It is a Buddhist mudra, used widely as a standard meditation mudra, and popularized very much by Zen tradition. If you ever see a Zen adept meditating, he/she will certainly use this mudra.
Both hands are placed with palms facing upwards, one over another, in the lap, in the area of lower abdomen, thumbs being gently brought together. There are different versions of which palm should be on top of the other. In Chinese tradition, women use the right palm on top, and men the left, as a way to respect the yin-yang different polarity to each gender.
It is also called the “samadhi mudra”. It is a gesture that brings focus, stability, helps you center, and brings all the rebellious energies from the head down to the lower abdomen. Dhyana mudras also has the benefit of increase self-awareness, and grounding.
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Jnana mudra is most used in yogic traditions, but not only. It brings together the tip of the thumb and the index finger, palms facing upwards, relaxed on the legs on on the kees if meditating in lotus position. It is also called the “wisdom mudra”. This mudras helps to open up to the Divine energy, increase receptiveness, openness, and relaxation. It brings clarity, serenity and wisdom.
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This is the mudra that Buddha held when he reached enlightenment, so it’s a very important mudra for all Buddhist practicants. The story says Buddha was meditating under a tree, when Mara and his demons attacked him. Mara asked Buddha “Who will believe your enlightenment? Nobody will believe you. Who’s your witness?”. And Buddha replied: “The Earth will be my witness” and touched the ground with his right hand. In that moment, Mara and his demons vanished and he reached enlightenment.
The mudra is considered to connect you more with Buddha, and helps you reach states of purity, inner strength, stability, fearlessness, clarity and connection to the Universal.
Hold your left hand in the lap, in front of the abdomen, palm facing up. And the right hand on the right knee, as if it would touch the Earth.
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When you’re feeling exhausted, blocked, lacking energy and will, this mudra will certainly help you. Prana mudra is very energizing. It is said that it can activate the dormant energy inside your body and cleanse your aura.
Hold your thumb connected with the ring and little finger, while keeping the other two remaining fingers straight, palms facing upwards.
Mudras can take your meditation to new heights, and so can meditating on an Ajnamat
Anjali mudras is also named the “mudra of prayer” or the “salutation mudra”. Keep your both palms connected, with the fingers pointing upwards, in front of your heart center, and hold a little space between the palms, as if you were holding something inside. This is a salutation of the Divinity that is present in all Creation.
Anjali mudras centers you inside your heart, and calms a restless mind, enabling you to open your heart unconditionally and expand your presence. It keeps you connected to your soul.
Happy practicing!
These are just a few mudras that you can try during your meditations, and we hope they’re going to help you reach calm and inner balance. We invite you to try them and experiment by yourself their unique power and benefits.
