The purpose of the mudras

You've probably already seen people in meditation positions putting their hands in some position, like the classic one, thumb touching the index finger with the hands on the knees. That’s what we call a mudra.

Surya Ravi Mudra

Mudra in Sanskrit means gesture or attitude; it is also defined as'seal','short-cut', or ‘circuit bypass’.

They are experienced by yogis as attitudes of energy flow, with the intention of linking our pranic force with a universal or cosmic force.

Mudras are a combination of subtle physical movements that alter mood, attitudes, and perception and depend on awareness and concentration.

It is reconsidered as a higher practice to guide the practitioner to awakening the pranks, chakras, and kundalini.

It ultimately establishes an energy balance within the koshas and enables the redirection of subtle energy to the upper chakras, inducing higher states of consciousness.

In the tantric literature, it is said that once the dissipation of prana is arrested through the practice of mudra, the mind becomes introverted, inducing states of Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses) and Dharana (concentration).

They have the ability to redirect prana, and for that, mudras are really important techniques for awakening kundalini.

They help to link the brain to the body, soothe pain, stimulate endorphins, change the mood, and increase our vitality.

If you practice Kundalini yoga or Kriya, you will notice that they are extensively incorporated.

Mudras is divided into five different groups.

• Hand mudras call HASTA

We most of the time use hand mudras for our meditation practice. The effect of hand mudras is that they create a loop of energy that will move from the brain down to the hand and then back again.

It is believed that our five fingers correspond each to one element of the universe.

The thumb will be fire,

the index finger will be air,

the middle finger will be ether,

the ring finger will be earth

and the little finger will be water.

By connecting the thumb with the ring finger like on the Surya Ravi Mudra for example, it will help you strengthen the connection to your body, to bring health, healing, and vitality to any part of the body that needs it, and to feel at home and safe in your body.

It is a grounding and anchoring mudra.

• Head mudras call MANA

Using the eyes, nose, tongue, and lips

Many are meditation techniques in their own right.

• Postural mudras call KAYA

Physical postures combined with breathing and concentration

• Lock mudras, call BANDHA

Combination of mudra and bandha. They charge the system with prana and prepare it for kundalini awakening.

• Perineal mudras call ADHARA

Those redirect prana from the lower centres to the brain. Mudras in this group will sublimate sexual energy.

All five groups of mudras engage substance areas of the cerebral cortex.

Mudras can be practiced in combination with asana and pranayama, or they have to be practiced after.

Keep Practicing

Namaste