Significance of Mudras in Yoga
Akin to life yoga has several phases; initially the beginners are guided by their gurus to take baby steps towards building a control over their body and mind. After numerous physical manoeuvres when the individuals become comfortable with their own body they are able to establish sync between their body, breath and mind. The Asanas and Pranayamas effectively guide the individuals through their journey of self-realization which is accompanied by a healthier body and stronger mind. A regular practise of Asanas and Pranayamas creates energy within the body which is regulated and channelized towards various centres (chakras and nadis) through a regular and conscious practise of Mudras. Literally the Sanskrit word Mudra can be translated as “seal”, “mark” or “gesture”. Thus, the Mudras in yoga are bodily gestures that meticulously perform the role of barriers that prevent the prana( the continuous flow of neurobiological energy within the body) from dispersing out of the body and redirects it. For instance, in Chin/Jnana Mudra the index fingers and thumbs come together to halt the dissipation of energy from the fingertips. In Shambhavi Mudra the focusing of internal gaze at the center of the eyebrows locks the energy which is otherwise radiated out of the eyebrow center during meditation. The Mudras are great at manipulating the prana emitted from the chakras and nadis.
The term Tantra is made up by suturing two Sanskrit words together; “tan” meaning body and “tra” meaning “liberation”. Thus, the Tantric Philosophy emphasizes of liberating the yogis from their sense of individualism as true knowledge or Enlightenment can be achieved only by achieving the Universal knowledge. The Mudras according to Swami Satyananda Saraswati captures the prana promoting the practise of Pratyahara( a sense of withdrawal) and dharana ( concentration). This unique ability of Mudras to preserve the prana within the body has led to their inclusion in numerous practises for awakening of the Kundalini.
Note: According to Hatha yoga Pradipika no efforts should be made to awaken the Kundalini without the help of a Guru. If the Kundalini is awakened without the help of guru the energy released in the process becomes directionless and the individual does not have any control over it. For practitioners it is important to realise that in modern times Mudras should be practised keeping the pragmatic reasons in their mind. The sole aim of practising Mudras should be to intensify their practise and amplify the calming effect that yoga has on the mind and body. The aim of preserving the energy should be in conjunction with its rejuvenating effects.
This article will help you to have a tertiary knowledge about five major Mudras recommended by most of the yoga gurus. This list comprises Mudras for beginners, intermediate and advanced level yoga practitioners.
Chin and jnana Mudra
The Chin Mudra and the Jnana mudra are two popular mudras under the category of Hasta Mudra (gestures of hands). The term “Chin” is a derivative of “Chit” which means consciousness and “jnana” can be literally translated as knowledge/ wisdom. These two mudras help in expansion of consciousness and improve concentration. Although they are often confused with each other but there is a prominent difference between them. When the index finger is curled so that its tip meets the root of the thumb while the remaining three fingers remain relaxed a separated it is called the Chin Mudra. Jnana Mudra is assumed by jointing the tips of the index finger and the thumb. The philosophy governing these two mudras promotes the idea of the index finger representing the individual consciousness and the thumb representing the universal consciousness and it is only when the individual meets the universal that true knowledge is achieved. Apart from sealing the energy within the body which is otherwise emitted through the fingertips this mudra creates a pranic circuit which allows the energy to flow in an orbital cycle from the mind to the perineum. It is usually practised in a meditative posture to maximise the effects. The Chin and Jnana Mudra awaken the hidden nadi and guides the initiates an upward movement of prana through Shushuma to Sahasrara Chakra located at the crown of the head.
Khechari Mudra
Khechari Mudra is a prominent Mudra under the Mana Mudra (gesture of mind) category. The mudras usually categorised under this category form an intrinsic aspect of the Kundalini yoga. These mudras utilise the eyes, ears, nose, tongue and lips. The term “Khechari” is an amalgam of two Sanskrit root words “Khe”/”kha” meaning “space” and “chara” meaning “to move freely”. Thus this mudra bestows the practitioner with the bliss of feeling free. In this practice the tongue is curled backwards and the tip of the tongue touches the upper palate of the mouth. After settling down comfortably ujjai pranayama is practised. The beginners are instructed to breathe at the usual rate but in due course of time the rate of breath should be decreased. Some advanced level practitioners of yoga are able to decrease the breath rate to 5-6 breaths per minutes. Regularly practising this mudra for 5-10 minutes stimulates numerous pressure points situated at the extremities of the mouth and nasal cavity. On a physical level it massages numerous glands secreting hormones and saliva. On the psychic level this mudra decreases the feeling of hunger and thirst. Apart from its ability of awakening the kundalini it also initiates psychological healing by releasing a sense of serenity within the body.
(Note: If you there are any bitter secretions during the practise halt the practise immediately)
Yoga Mudra
The Yoga Mudra is a form of Kaya or Postural Mudra. The mudras of this category focus on creating a full body experience by utilising the physical manoeuvres along with synchronising it breath and mind. This Mudra is usually performed in Padmasana (Lotus pose) although some even perform it in Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose). After holding one wrist with the other hand at the back of the body, the practitioner bends forward from the hips and the head rests on the floor (or a mat). This mudra tries to unite individual consciousness with the supreme consciousness i.e. the internal with the external. This mudra creates awareness on Mooladhara Chakra (or the Root Chakra) located at the perineum and Ajna Chakra (or the Third Eye Chakra) located at the centre of the brow on the forehead. The flow of breath through this pranic circuit relieves anger, stress and tension which calm the entire body. The bending of body gently massages all the abdominal organs an simultaneously stretching the back.
Note: It is recommended to follow this mudra with counter pose such as Bhujungasana. Individuals diagnosed with spinal issues such as sciatica or any serious stomach ailment this mudra not attempt this asana. In case of high blood pressure this mudra can be avoided as it increases the flow of blood in the brain.
Vayu Mudra
Vayu Mudra is a Hatha Mudra (Hand Gesture) which regulates the “vayu” i.e. gas/wind inside our bodies. This is a simple yet effective mudra which when practised over a period of time helps in expelling all ailments related to gas out of the body. This mudra is practised by assuming any comfortable meditative posture of your choice (Sukhasana, Padmasana, Swastikasana etc). This is followed by bending of the index finger such that it applies pressure at the base of the thumb then the thumb is placed over the index finger.
Vayu Mudra is effective in relieving any stiffness in neck. It is also recommended to those individuals who want to lose weight. The release of gas from the body is accompanied with expulsion of numerous abdominal disorders. For immediate benefits it is usually suggested to practise this mudra in combination with the Vajrasana immediately after having meals.
Practise Note:
- Although it is common to experience slight pain in the palm and fingers when this mudra is assumed. It is observed that the pain vanishes after a few seconds. If anyone experiences a persistent pain they should immediately cease the practise and consult an expert.
- Beginners can initially practise this mudra for 3-5 minutes but gradually the time can be expanded till 45 minutes.
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.