Yoga Hand Mudra Meanings,

Explanations and Benefits

PostedbyClaireAusten|Sep24,2015|2,904views

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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 they have a specific and deliberate purpose. In
this post, Ill demonstrate various mudras and explain their meanings and
benefits.

What is a Mudra?

Mudra is Sanskrit for seal, mark, or gesture. Typically, mudras are used
during meditation or pranayama as a way to direct energy flow in the body.
According to yoga, different areas of the hand stimulate specific areas of the
brain. By applying light pressure to these areas of the hand, you will
activate the corresponding region of the brain.
In addition to the reflexology aspect of hand mudras, these positions
symbolize various feelings, emotions, and states of being. Hand positions
play a part in many societies and religions. The Christian church uses many
hand movements during mass all of which symbolize various important
ideas. Even 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 Buddhist and Hindu
traditions. Although they were developed thousands of years ago their
meaning is still understood and relevant today.

Gyan Mudra
Description: 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 recognized and commonly used mudras. In many depictions of the
Buddha, you will notice he holds this mudra.

Meaning: This hand mudra is also known as the seal of knowledge. 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 symbolize and encourage Wisdom and
Expansion.
Benefits: When used during meditation or pranayama, Gyan mudra can
help ease drowsiness, inspire creativity, and increase concentration.

Shuni Mudra

Description: 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 known as the seal of patience. The
middle finger represents Aakash and courage to hold duty and responsibility.
The thumb represents fire and divine nature. When the two fingers are
placed together in Shuni Mudra, it is meant to symbolize and encourage
Patience, Discernment, Focus and Discipline.
Benefits: When used during meditation or pranayama, Shuni Mudra can
help encourage patience and the courage to fulfill ones responsibilities. It
also helps to develop noble thoughts and turn negative emotions into
positive ones.

Surya Ravi Mudra or Prithvi Mudra

Description: 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 known 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 Surya Ravi Mudra, it is meant to symbolize and encourage
energy, balance, health, and vitality.
Benefits: When used during meditation or pranayama, Surya Ravi Mudra
can give you energy, positivity, intuition, and help encourage positive change
in your life. It also helps to build and invigorate the bodily tissues.

Buddhi Mudra or Varun Mudra

Description: 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 known 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 Buddhi
Mudra, it is meant to symbolize and encourage openness and fluid
communication.

Benefits: When used during meditation or pranayama, Buddhi Mudra can

encourage clear and effective communication. It also helps balance the
water element in the body, activating the salivary glands and moistening dry
eyes and skin.

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