Yoga is not merely physical engagement of muscles to perform certain poses, it is beyond that. Yoga is a journey to understand your true self, your capabilities, limitations and shortcomings through introspection. It is the unique ability of yoga to connect the external with the internal. There is always more than what meets the eye, while an observer can only witness the physical manoeuvres in form of Asanas, the practitioner can experience a novel feeling of self-awareness and serenity by continuous practise of Mudras over a prolonged period of time. The Mudras are gestures that are practised to control the flow of energy within the body. While the health and therapeutic benefits of Asanas and Pranayams are easily understood by a majority of people the workings of Mudras remain unfathomable to many. The term Mudra in Sanskrit means “seal” or “mark”, thus Mudras are practised to channel the neurobiological energy of the nerves. In yogic philosophy Prana is that neurobiological energy which is always flowing within the body. The practise of specific Mudras not only enables the practitioner to experience a surge of energy within the body but also helps them to feel more optimistic towards life.
This Article will be a complete guide to Chin and Jnana Mudra. Collectively they are known for their effects on the consciousness of the human mind. These two Mudras are Hasta Mudras or “the gestures of hands”. The Hasta Mudra practises ensure a creation of loop within the body by joining the index fingers with the thumbs. This promotes the engagement of the motor cortex which might appear to be subtle for the beginners but over a course of time it creates an effective rotatory flow of prana from fingers to the brain. The Sanskrit word ‘Jnana’ can be literally translated as “wisdom” or “knowledge”. The term “Chin” a derivative of “chit” which means the consciousness thus these two Mudras help to awaken the consciousness and help the practitioner to ruminate better. In these two Mudras the index finger represents the self or the individual consciousness while the thumb is symbolic of the universal consciousness; hence it is only when the individual meets the universal that true knowledge/jnana can be experienced.
Steps to assume Chin Mudra
- Sit down comfortably and assume any meditative asana for instance Padmasana, Vajrasana, Sukhasana, Siddhasana etc.
- Place your palms on your knees with your fingers facing upwards.
- Roll your index fingers so that the tips of the index fingers touch the roots of the thumb, together they will form a circular shape.
- Straighten and separate the remaining three fingers..
Steps to assume Jnana Mudra
- Sit down comfortably and assume any meditative asana for instance Padmasana, Vajrasana, Sukhasana, Siddhasana etc.
- Place your palms on your knees with your fingers facing upwards.
- Fold the fingers such that the tip of the index finger touches the tip of the thumb.
- Straighten and separate the remaining three fingers
Benefits
- Seals the Energy: Although these two Mudras are easy to practise but they have a considerable amount of effect on the mind which is often difficult to notice. Our fingers are extremely sensitive parts of the body as they have numerous nerve endings. When the index finger is linked with the thumb together they form a lock and seal the energy within the body which is otherwise transmitted to the atmosphere. Thus, this mudra blocks the path of dissipation of energy and guides it in a different direction within the body.
- Forms a Pranic Circuit: They also enable an upward flow of prana by creating a pranic circuit from palms to the knees thus uplifting the mood and helping the body to relax deeply. This prevents the energy from escaping the body; a regular practise of these two mudras ensures that the practitioner becomes more aware of the flow of prana within their body.
- Awakening of the Gupta Nadi: These two mudras further stimulate the gupta nadi, which in turn invigorates the Mooladhara Chakra located in the perineum.
- Deepening of Meditation: The meditation is deepened through Chin/jnana mudra as the upward facing fingers help in opening the chest which is followed by a feeling of lightness. This enables a better synchronisation of the body, breath and mind.
Suggestions
- Beginners might find difficulties in practising these two mudras with their eyes closed as the tips of the index fingers and thumbs tend to separate easily when there is a complete rupture of awareness. To avoid this situation they can practise these two mudras with their eyes open, slowly when their body has become accustomed to this mudra they can intensify their practise by closing their eyes.
- Try to keep your palms and fingers relaxed, do not contract your muscles a lot. Relax your body. There are no rigid norms about keeping your fingers (the remaining three) either completely straight or bent. In fact, if you are aiming at a prolonged practise then it is advisable to maintain a relaxed position of fingers as this reduces the chances of pain (especially for those who are diagnosed with arthritis).
Practice Note
The individuals who suffer from chronic knee pain or people in the elderly who cannot assume any of the traditional meditative postures such as Padmasana, Vajrasana, Sukhasana, Siddhasana etc, can sit down comfortably on a chair with their backs in an upright posture (It is suggested that the chair should have a back-rest for extra support) and assume these two mudras.
Sources:
- Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha by Swami Satyananda Swami
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Light on Hatha Yoga by Swami Muktibodhananda
- Asanas Mudras and Bandhas-Awakening Ecstatic Kundalini Yogani (from the AYP Awakening Series
- Mudras: A study in the classical Gesture Language of Hinduism, yoga and Tantra.