Mudras: Yoga Hand Gestures

Mudras are the hand gestures that one uses during meditation practice. They each carry a specific goal of channeling your body’s energy flow. There are more than 100 known mudras that have been developed over time, but this article will focus on the 6 most commonly used.

The ancient Sages saw the presence of each element in the human body. Our hands are thought to hold energetic points for these elements which is why Mudras allow us to manipulate these elements. Each Mudra allows for connection of elements as well as freeing actions to take place.

The five elements are represented by each finger (and thumb). The thumb represents Space, index finger represents Air, middle finger represents Fire, ring finger represents Water, and the pinky finger represents Earth.

The first Mudra I will focus on is Gyan. This Mudra is performed by touching your index fingertip to the tip of your thumb while the other three fingers are held out straight. The elements involved in this Mudra are Space and Air. This Mudra’s intention is to improve your concentration and memory. The best use of this Mudra is when you are seeking to gain knowledge.

The next Mudra is Buddhi. This Mudra is performed by touching your pinky fingertip to the tip of your thumb while the other three fingers are held out straight. The elements involved in this Mudra are Space and Earth. This Mudra’s intention is to help you understand intuitive messages form your subconscious. This Mudra will also help improve your communication.

The next Mudra is Shuni. This Mudra is performed by touching tip of your middle finger to the tip of your thumb while the other three fingers are relaxed. The elements involved in this Mudra are Space and Fire. This Mudra’s intention is to improve intuition, alertness, and sensory powers. It also purifies your emotions and thoughts.

The next Mudra is Prana. This Mudra is performed by touching your ring and pinky fingertips to the tip of your thumb while the other two fingers are held out straight. The elements involved in this Mudra are Space and Water. This Mudra’s intention is to awaken dormant energy in your body. It will help awaken and enliven your personal life force and put you more in tune with the energy around you.

The next Mudra is Dhyana. It is a shared gesture across several eastern meditation disciplines. The Buddha is often found performing this hand gesture. This Mudra is performed by placing both palms facing upward. Your right hand, which represents enlightenment and higher spiritual faculties, rests over the left hand, which represents the world of illusion. The tips of the thumbs touch. This Mudra’s intention is to bring deeper, more profound concentration and help bring tranquility and inner peace.

The final Mudra I will focus on is Ganesha, named after Ganesh. This Mudra is performed by placing your left hand in front of your chest with your palm facing outward and thumb down. Then place your right hand in front of your left with your right palm facing toward you and your left palm. Lock your fingers together, holding them in a half-bent position like a claw. All elements are involved in this Mudra. This Mudra’s intention is to relieve yourself of all types of obstructions in your life and to help you regain positivity and courage when dealing with hard times.

The next time you are practicing your Meditation, try using one of the above Mudras and see how you feel afterward.