Mudras are a silent language of self-expression. Used by Buddhist and Hindu religions, especially in Hatha Yoga. The language is spoken by the Brahmins, and it can be divided into two components: Joy (Mud) and Produce (Ra).
They are postures or body gestures that we can perform with our fingers during meditation to open, release, or close the currents of internal energies. Their messages are sent from the nerve endings of our hands to the brain.
The body communicates with the mind. This means that the mind and body are interconnected vital units. There are about 384 different mudras and 36 of them are important.
What are they for?
Mudras are used to direct, balance, and restore the energetic levels of our body. Energy can flow through the “Nadis” by performing these pressures on the body. They provide peace, security, and tranquility to the practitioner.
It attributes therapeutic or curative powers over the body. However, its greater or lesser effectiveness will depend not only on the frequency or regularity of its practice, but also, on the quality of the food ingested, eating habits, and vitality in general.
Some of the benefits of practicing Mudras are:
-They relieve physical discomfort and calming pain, because they stimulate the endorphin system.
-Improve the state of mind, stimulating positive thinking.
-They can also increase concentration.
-Elevate self-esteem.
-Increase our vitality.
Most popular Mudras
As we have already said, there are many types of mudras, but here are some of the most popular ones:
-Gyan Mudra also called the seal of knowledge. This Mudra helps to activate knowledge, wisdom, and relaxation.
-Shuni Mudra or seal of patience. It’s the Mudra of patience and commitment.
-Ravi Mudra or seal of the sun. It symbolizes and encourages energy, balance, health, and vitality.
-Buddhi Mudra or seal of mental clarity. It represents the power of clear and intuitive communication.
Most Mudras, including those mentioned here, are hand gestures. Now, what’s the meaning of our hands? According to the Hindu theory of Ayurveda, the left hand is pacification and the right one is discernment.
On the right hand: the little finger represents wisdom, the ring one is discernment, the middle is the capacity to make vows (will), the index finger is power, and the thumb is knowledge.
While on the left hand: the little finger is charity, the ring one is discipline, the middle is patience, the index is energy and the thumb is contemplation.
However, each finger controls the analogy of the element in the functioning of the body:
-The thumb has the element ether (sky).
-The index represents air.
-The middle finger ruled by fire.
-The ring finger represents water.
-The little finger has the earth as an element.
Where can we practice them?
Finally, there’s no doubt that the daily and well-done practices of mudras contribute to the improvement and strengthening of our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.
However, it’s advisable for beginners to choose a quiet place where nothing or nobody can interrupt us, away from noises and preferably alone. Like, resting from work, walking in the park, on the beach, in the company, etc.