Hand Mudra Meanings, Explanations and Benefits

While at yoga class or watching a yoga video, you may have noticed
certain hand movements that are held while in a pose or during
meditation. These are called Hand Mudras, and all these mudras have a
specific purpose. This article gives information various mudras and
explain their meanings and benefits.For understanding the exact
positions or to view the pictures,you can refer to Google search online.
What is a Mudra?
Mudra is ans!rit for seal, mar!, or gesture. Typically, mudras are used
duringmeditation or pranayama as a way to direct energy flow in the
body. "ccording to yoga, different areas of the hand stimulate specific
areas of the brain. #y applying light pressure to these areas of the hand,
you will $activate% the corresponding region of the brain.
&n addition to the $reflexology% aspect of hand mudras, these positions
symboli'e various feelings, emotions, and states of being. Hand
positions play a part in many societies and religions. The (hristian
church uses many hand movements during mass ) all of which
symboli'e various important ideas. *ven in modern Western culture we
have hand movements that are associated with a meaning+ clapping,
flipping the bird, or holding the hands up and palms open to signify
surrender.
The mudras described below are an ancient part of the #uddhist and
Hindu traditions. "lthough they were developed thousands of years ago
) their meaning is still understood and relevant today.
Gyan Mudra
,escription+ The index finger and thumb are lightly touching at the tips.
The remaining three fingers are held out gently -not ridged.. This is one
of the most recogni'ed and commonly used mudras. &n many depictions
of the #uddha, you will notice he holds this mudra.
Meaning+ This hand mudra is also !nown as the $seal of !nowledge.%
The thumb represents fire and divine nature and the index finger
represents air and individual human consciousness. When the two
fingers are placed together in Gyan Mudra, it is meant to symboli'e and
encourage Wisdom and *xpansion.
#enefits+ When used during meditation or pranayama, Gyan mudra can
help ease drowsiness, inspire creativity, and increase concentration.
Shuni Mudra
,escription+ The middle finger and thumb are lightly touching at the tips.
The remaining three fingers are held out gently -not ridged..
Meaning+ This hand mudra is also !nown as the $seal of patience.% The
middle finger represents "a!ash and courage to hold duty and
responsibility. The thumb represents fire and divine nature. When the
two fingers are placed together in huni Mudra, it is meant to symboli'e
and encourage /atience, ,iscernment, Focus and ,iscipline.
#enefits+ When used during meditation or pranayama, huni Mudra can
help encourage patience and the courage to fulfill one0s responsibilities.
&t also helps to develop noble thoughts and turn negative emotions into
positive ones.
Surya Ravi Mudra or Prithvi Mudra
,escription+ The ring finger and thumb are lightly touching at the tips.
The remaining three fingers are held out gently -not ridged..
Meaning+ This hand mudra is also !nown as the $seal of life% or $seal of
the sun.% The ring finger represents earth, energy, strength and
endurance. The thumb represents fire and divine nature. When the two
fingers are placed together in urya 1avi Mudra, it is meant to symboli'e
and encourage energy, balance, health, and vitality.
#enefits+ When used during meditation or pranayama, urya 1avi Mudra
can give you energy, positivity, intuition, and help encourage positive
change in your life. &t also helps to build and invigorate the bodily
tissues.
Buddhi Mudra or Varun Mudra
,escription+ The little finger and thumb are lightly touching at the tips.
The remaining three fingers are held out gently -not ridged..
Meaning+ This hand mudra is also !nown as the $seal of mental clarity.%
The little finger represents water and communication. The thumb
represents fire and divine nature. When the two fingers are placed
together in #uddhi Mudra, it is meant to symboli'e and encourage
openness and fluid communication.
#enefits+ When used during meditation or pranayama, #uddhi Mudra
can encourage clear and effective communication. &t also helps balance
the water element in the body, activating the salivary glands and
moistening dry eyes and s!in.