Mudras are an essential part of spirituality. The word Mudras in Sanskrit means ‘seal’ or ‘gesture’. Mudras are hand/body gestures/poses that have been existing in multiple cultures across the world since times immemorial. In Indian traditions, Mudras have been discovered so that the energy radiated from the nadis and the chakras are redirected and not dissipated, This post will briefly discuss Mudras, meaning of Mudras, World Mudras. Further, the types of Indian Yoga Mudras specifically in India. Also, how Mudras are different from Asanas.
Meaning of Mudra
Mudras are special symbolic gestures/poses of the hand/face/ body that the spiritual leaders/ healers of a vast many cultures conceived of as a pathway to manipulate the energy flow between the mind, body and soul.
Countless Mudras have been integrated into meditation, prayers, dance, martial arts, rituals and healing practices since thousands of years across world religions and cultures like Hinduism (Yoga, Tantra, Japa), Buddhism, TCM (Traditional Chinese medicine), Qigong and other martial arts etc.
Mudras are believed to be able to stimulate the flow of prana (subtle psychic energy) channels by positioning of body, hands, face to create/fix Pranic (subtle energy) circuits. This restored balance of Pranic flow rythmically clears energy blockages and replenishes/heals energy deficit or diseased areas. Additionally, Mudras help centre the mind, body and soul thereby creating holistic wellness.
Meaning of Indian Yoga Mudras
In Indian Yogic texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipka, Mudras are considered to be yoganga- a separate branch within Yoga that needs subtle awareness. Generally Mudras are introduced after a certain amount of mastery in asanas and pranayama is gained and the system is purified of evident blockages.
Hatha Yoga
Pradipika – a definitive treatise on Yoga says
‘The Goddess sleeping at the entrance of Brahma’s door, Should be constantly aroused with all effort performing Mudras thoroughly.’ (reference here being to Kundalini awakening)
Mudras are considered powerful as they can awaken chakras and kundalini power
Every single Mudra comes with its own set of purpose and benefits. Some are good for greater concentration, better immunity, greater energy levels while others are for healing chronic issues. Some others are especially beneficial in awakening dormant potentials within.
A particular Mudra or a combination of hand/body/face Mudras is paired with corresponding pranayama, meditation, mantra japa and asanas for maximum effect. The key point to be noted is that mindfulness employed while performing these combinations can bring out the very best results.
Types of Indian Yoga Mudras
In Indian traditions Mudras play a very important part in Yoga and Tantra practices especially because of their ability to redirect Prana and awaken kundalini. Practice of Mudras makes the practitioner aware of the Annamaya, Pranamaya and Manomaya koshas and integrate himself accordingly to reach greater states of awareness.
A brief look at the types of Indian Yoga Mudras
Indian Yoga Mudras comprise of Hasta (hand) Mudras, Facial Mudras, Body Mudras, Bandha Mudras, Adhara Mudras, Mantra mudras and Meditation Mudras.
1. Yoga Hasta Mudras or Yoga Hand Mudras
These mudras involve positioning of the hands and fingers in various combinations to create specific energy circuits, gestures and symbolic meanings. Hand mudras are used in yoga, classical Indian dance forms, meditation, mantra japa and tantra rites.
Eg : Gyan mudra, Chin mudra, Yoni mudra, Bhairava , Hridaya Mudra
2.Yoga Mana (Head) mudras
Mana mudras involve specific movement of the eyes, ears, eyebrows, nose, tongue and lips etc to create expressions or convey emotions, stories or to bring concentration upon one esoteric energy point or chakra. These are also extremely important from the perspective of meditation eg: Shambhavi mudra (Bhrumadhya), Nasikagra dhristi, Khechari mudra, Kaki mudra, Bhujangini Mudra, Bhoochari mudra, Akashi mudra, Shanmukhi mudra, Unmani mudra.
3.Yoga Kaya (Postural) Mudras:
These are Body postures that are combined with breathing (pranayama) and concentration (dhrana) that also create specific pranic circuits
4. Yoga Bandha (lock) Mudras:
Bandha means lock, so bandha mudras involve bandha- i.e contraction or locking or specific muscles or energy points along with mudra eg Mahamudra, Mahabheda mudra, Mahavedha mudra.
5. Yoga Adhara Mudras:
Adhara focus on redirecting energies from lower centers to the higher chakras leading to expansion of consciousness.
Eg : Vajroli/Sahajoli mudra, Ashwini mudra
From the above mudras we have a combination of:
Yoga Mantra Mudras
Mantras when recited repeatedly are called Japa. Mantra Japa- a predetermined number of times lets says 108 times daily or 1 lac times or 10 lac times are called as Puraschana. Mantra Japa is accompanied with mantra specific Mudras that help in concentration, connection with the deity and in spiritual awakening.
Yoga Meditation mudras:
Meditation mudras help in increasing concentration, locking in energy leaks and activation of chakras for spiritual transformation.
Deity specific Yoga/ Tantra mudra
These are a set of mudras dedicated to each God and Goddess of Hinduism.
How is Yoga Mudra different from Yoga Asana?
Mudras and Asanas are complementary and integral to Yoga and Tantra practices. The key differences in them are:
1.Difference in Focus
Mudras are mainly hand gestures but also body, facial postures and bandhas aiming at mind-body wellness and in The predominant objective of Mudras is to redirect and optimise the flow of prana by creating appropriate energy circuits both in the body and the mind (brain).
Asanas, on the other hand are primarily body postures held and practiced for physical strength, agility, flexibility, balance and blood circulation. These also have spiritual and psychological benefits.
2.Difference in level of Body movement
Mudras are more inclined towards specific positioning of hands, fingers, body and face. The level of movement is subtle. It can be practiced while travelling, lying down, resting too.
Asanas on the other hand are dynamic and sometimes vigorous Full body movements and muscle/body alignments. Some Asanas can be static or gentle and slow too for subtle healing but almost all of them need to be practised on a mat with complete mindfulness.
3. Subtle difference in Benefits
Mudras are used to redirect prana and create optimum pranic circuits. They also help in connecting to the respective deity, building spiritual awareness, meditating and building concentration through a centred mind.
World Mudras : A quick glimpse
1.Indian Mudras:
Mudras and their mention can be traced back to ancient holy texts of Hinduism like the Vedas, Upanishads, Yoga Samhitas, Tantra Agamas and Puranas.
Specific Mudras are prescribed for attaining a higher state of consciousness and awakening latent potentials. Additionally certain mudras are prescribed for attaining the grace of specific deities.
Further Indian Classical dance forms such as Bharatnatyam, Odissi etc are full of intricate mudras in the form of facial expressions, hand postures, body postures that convey feelings, emotions and storytelling.
2. Tibetan, Buddhist Mudras:
In Buddhism mudras are a critical part of meditation, rituals, tantric practices and prayers.
3. Chinese Poses or mudras:
Mudras or ‘jue’ are an integral part of Traditional Chinese medicine as well as martial arts like Tai Chi, Qigong, Kung Fu and practices recommended by Taoism. Mudras are revered as a means of maintaining the balance of energy and promoting greater wellbeing.
4. Poses or Mudras in Western Traditions
Hand gestures have a deep and holy significance in Christian traditions too. For example the sign of the Cross- the Trinity made by touching the head, the chest and the shoulders is a sign of protection and devotion to Christ.
Ancient Greece used hand movements and gestures/ mudras called ‘cheirougia’ extensively in rhetoric and oratory display. These were used to amplify the elements of their speech, idea and connection with their audience.
Ancient Rome on the other hand used gestures/mudras called ‘gestus’ to powerfully communicate feelings, ideas and intentions during public speaking.
5. Islamic Traditions
Specific hand gestures made during the prayer like the hand on the chest or folded in front during prayer in front or bending down to pray are signs of devotion and submission to Allah.
6. Native Indigenous traditions
Indigenous traditions in each specific country and state around the world have their mudras in the form of dances, prayers, hand postures, body postures etc that help them connect to their ancestors, spiritual leaders and nature.
