The art and science of Hasta Mudras or Hand mudras is a unique language by itself. Hasta Yoga Mudras is a key variant amongst mudras the others being kaya (body) mudras, mana (head/face mudras), bandha (lock) mudras and adhara (perineal) mudras. This post traces the meaning, history of Hasta/ Hand Mudras, their connection with the five elements Pancha Mahabhuta, 10 Easy Yoga Hasta mudra, how to practise them and benefits of practising Yoga Hasta mudra.
Meaning of Hasta Mudras- Hand Mudras
Hand Yoga Mudras are poses related to the positioning and placement of the fingers and palms of the hand. Incidentally, the intimate connection of Hand mudras with our mind/body was discovered by ancient seers and taught in Yoga and Tantra meditation, Classical Indian dance, Mantra/Tantra rituals and a part of Deity worship.
Hasta mudras like the other mudras, arrest the dissipation of prana from the fingers and redirect this subtle energy back to the body to create higher awareness. Therefore, they are an essential part of Kriya and Kundalini Yoga for Kundalini awakening.
Abhinaya Darpana says,
‘Yatho Hastha tatho Drishtih, Yatho Drishtih tatho Manah, Yatho Manas Tatho Bhavo, Yatho Bhavas Tatho Rasah.’
Meaning, ‘Where the hand goes, the sight follows, Where the sight goes, the mind follows, Where the mind /awareness is, the emotion/ mood/feeling is created, Once the mood id created, the sentiment arises.’
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)
Hasta mudras create significant pathways of prana. For example, joining the thumb and the index finger stimulates the motor cortex. This creates a closed loop whereby energy moves from the brain to the hand and back to the brain. Eg: Gyan Mudra, Chin Mudra, Yoni mudra, Bhairava mudra, Hridaya mudra.
The History of Hasta/Hand Mudras in India:
Hasta Mudras have been in use since thousands of years in India. The strong belief system is that Mudras’ channelized energy (prana) ushers in better health, greater mental capabilities as well as higher spiritual abilities.
The earliest mention of Hasta Mudras can be traced back to the Vedas, Upanishads, Yoga classics like Patanjali’s Yoga sutras, Gheranda Samhita, Shiva Samhita, Tantra texts and Classical Indian dance (Natyashastra) texts.
Vedas, the oldest known Indian scriptures describe rituals and ceremonies with specific hand mudras to call upon divine forces and communicate with them.
Upanishads the philosophical parts of Vedas describe mudras symbolic of cosmic principles. The Yoga Upanishads discuss the mind-body-soul connection and how mudras and meditation can bring that about.
Yogic texts made Mudras more structured and detailed. Patanjali’s Yoga sutras discusses Ashtanga Yoga (Yoga with 8 limbs) that includes pranayama, asanas, mudras as Yoga’s limbs. Hatha Yoga Pradipika Gheranda Samhita and Shiva Samhita too explain these in detail.
The Vedangas on Indian Classical Dance further describe the hand mudras for dance forms clearly. Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi all have developed mudras to convey emotion, expression and narration.
Tantra texts like Kulanarva tantra and Puranas like Kalika Purana have clear sets of mudras dedicated to the ritualistic worship of specific deities as well as mantra japa of specific mantras.
108 Mudras : Shatshastra mudra or Ashta Shatshastra mudra
Shatshastra mudra or Ashta Shatshastra mudra refer to the concept of 108 hand mudras across Indian dance, yoga, tantra and spiritual practices. These are:
- Asamyukta Hasta mudras: Mudras involving a single hand depicting objects, emotions, beings, elements.
- Samyukta Hasta mudras: Mudras involving both hands generally to depict more complex ideas, stories relationships.
- Nrtta Hasta Mudras : Specific to Indian classical dance such as Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kathak etc
- Devata Hasta Mudras: Mudras specific to each deity/God in Hindu worship, rituals etc
- Upasana Hasta Mudras: Mudras used specifically for prayer, meditation, mantra japa, spiritual practices.
Hasta/ Hand Mudras and the Pancha Mahabhuta- The Five Great Elements
The Seers of India discovered a deep relationship between the five fingers and the five great elements – the Pancha Maha Bhuta (Earth (Prithvi), Water, Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni) and Ether (Akasa))
As per this ancient wisdom, The Panch Maha Bhuta, is what any and every living being anywhere is comprised of.
And because every finger is related to one of the five elements, the energy (prana) associated with that finger can be channelised and redirected with the help of various hand mudras (hasta mudras)
The Pancha Mahabhuta and their relation to the Hasta Mudras fingers and therefore the Yoga Hasta/Hand Mudra:
1.Akasha (Space) Element associated with the Middle finger.
The sensation of Sound is related to Akasa as an element and the sense organs are ears. Also, the component of body impacted by Akasa is the Astral Body.
2.Vayu (Air) associated with the Index finger.
The sensation of touch and the sense organ of skin are associated with Air and the component within the body it impacts is air.
3.Agni (Fire) associated with the Thumb.
The sensation of sight – form and colour and the sense organ of eyes are associated with the Fire element, and it impacts the body heat.
4. Jala/ Varuna (water) associated with the little finger.
The sensation of taste – rasa and the sense organ tongue are associated with the Jala – water aspect and it impacts the fluids in the body.
5.Bhumi Prithvi (earth) associated with the Ring finger.
The sensation of smell and the sense organ nose are associated with the Prithvi- the Earth aspect and it impacts the flesh, bones and organs of the body.
Ten Key commonly used easy Yoga Hasta/ Hand Mudras and their benefits:
1.Jnana (Gyan) Mudra: Yoga Hasta/ Hand Mudra of Knowledge
Method: Fold the index fingers of both hands so that they touch the base of the respective thumbs. Keep the rest of the three fingers straight and mildly apart. Keep the palms facing downwards and place the arms on the knees.
Benefits: An important psycho neural lock that prevents energy from dissipating out of the energy emitting root of nerve endings on the fingers. Placing the hands on the knees activates the ‘gupt nadi’ on the knees and creates a beneficial pranic circuit.
This mudra is highly recommended for meditation.
2.Varun Mudra: Yoga Hasta/Hand Mudra of the Water Element
Method: Join the tip of the thumb and the little finger leaving the rest of the fingers relaxed.
Benefits: This mudra uses the intelligence of the water element to enhance the suppleness of the whole body. It also helps hydrate dry and wrinkled skin and improve skin complexion and overall beauty. It cools the system, purifies the blood and strengthens the kidney and bladder.
3.Prithvi Mudra: Yoga Hasta/Hand Mudra of the Earth Element
Method: Join the tips of the ring finger and the thumb lightly and keep the rest of the fingers relaxed
Benefits: This mudra increases strength, vitality and combat weakness. It helps one feel secure and stay centred, stable and grounded.
4.Vayu Mudra: Yoga Hasta/Hand Mudra of the Air Element
Method: Touch the tip of the index finger to the base of the thumb with the thumb covering the index finger.
Benefits: This mudra helps reduce gas, bloating and indigestion. Also helps reduce gout and arthritis.
This mudra also encourages movement, creativity and vitality with better circulation in the body.
Practice only for resolution and not daily practice.
5.Shunya Mudra: Yoga Hasta/Hand Mudra of the Void – the emptiness
Method: Fold the middle finger at the palm with the tip resting at the base of the thumb. Cover this finger with the thumb. Extend out the rest of the fingers.
Benefits: This mudra clears the mind improves focus and balance. Also helps in ear related problems. Must be practiced specifically for resolution of related problems not regularly.
6.Apana Mudra : Yoga Hasta/Hand Mudra of purification
Method: Join the tips of the ring and middle fingers together with the thumb while keeping the index and the little finger extended.
Benefits: This mudra is used to regulate the downward moving energy (Apana Vayu) of the body utilized for elimination. Hence this mudra improves digestion and removes toxins thereby purifying the system. It is also good for the uterus as well as for regulating menstruation.
Caution: This is NOT to be practiced in the first 8 months of pregnancy.
7.Prana Mudra: Yoga Hasta/ Hand Mudra of Energy
Method: Cover the tip of the little finger and the ring finger with the pad of the thumb. Extend the index finger and the little finger forward.
Benefits: This mudra helps in increase energy, to recover faster and to amplify the other mudra effects. It is also called the sword finger or the sword of wisdom in Buddhism and eastern martial arts.
This is a go to mudra for increasing the body’s immunity, power and self-healing capacity.
8.Hridaya Mudra: Yoga Hasta/ Hand Mudra of the heart
Method: Sit in any meditative asana with the head and the spine straight.
Place the tips of the index fingers at the root of the thumb, exactly like in Jnana and Chin mudras. Join the tips of the thumb, the middle and the ring finger. Keep the little finger extended. Keep the hand on the knees with the palms facing outwards. Can be done for upto 30 minutes.
Benefits: The middle and the ring finger are closely connected to the heart through nadis and the thumb energizes them. Therefore this mudra helps the flow of prana from the hands to the heart. Hridaya mudra is beneficial to the overall heart functioning. It also helps release pent up emotions and long standing grudges or negative emotions.
9.Bhairava mudra: Yoga Hasta/ Hand Mudra of Lord Bhairava- the terrifying
Method: Sit in any meditative asana. Place the right hand over the left both palms facing upwards. Rest the mudra in your lap. Stay motionless for a while. When the left hand is placed over the right the posture is called ‘Bhairavi’ mudra.
Benefits: the two hands represent Ida (lunar energy channel) and Pingala (solar energy channel) nadis , the union of which bring about supreme awakening and supreme consciousness. This mudra is very beneficial for concentration, meditation and spiritual progress.
10.Yoni Mudra: Yoga Hasta/ Hand Mudra of the Yoni -the womb/source
Method: Sit in a meditative asana. Join fingers, palms of both hands together pointing outside of the body. Now cross the little, ring and the middle finger and interlock them. Brings the thumbs joined at the pads vertically up and point the index fingers joined at the pads right opposite to the thumbs to form the shape of the yoni- womb
Benefits: This mudra creates a complete energy circuit that benefits both of the hemispheres of the brain. It balances the prana in the body as well as intensifies the flow.
Benefits of practicing Yoga Hasta/ Hand Mudra:
Practicing Yoga Hasta mudras have various physiological and psychological benefits. Some overall general benefits are:
1.Physical sense of relaxation:
Mudras help relax muscles, release tension and calm the neurological system.
2.Increased and more balanced energy:
Mudras increase the flow of prana while maintaining an optimum balance. Indian philosophy firmly believes that diseases are a result of imbalance of elements and their inherent energies.
Since hand mudras provide techniques to manage the energy channels from each element, they provide simple easy ways to promote harmony and vitality.
3.Better concentration, focus:
Some mudras like the Jnana Mudra and the Chin mudra directly stimulate the brain, enhancing calmness, clarity and concentration.
4. Mental and emotional wellness:
Mudras can influence the positive flow of emotions and thereby lead to a sense of stability and wellbeing. Eg : Mudras like Hridaya mudra, Jnana mudra, Abhaya mudra can make one feel centred and joyful inside while detoxifying mudras like Apana mudra can make one feel light and pure within.
5. Mind Body Soul Connection:
Regular practice of Mudras can put one deeply in touch with oneself. Become aware of the various koshas or sheaths around the body viz Annamaya kosha (food sheath), Pranamaya kosha (energy sheath), Manomaya kosha (Mind sheath), Vijananamaya kosha (Knowledge sheath) and finally Anandmaya kosha (bliss sheath).
6. Chakra, Nadi and Kundalini power activation:
As per ancient Indian philosophy Mudras are key to opening the psychic centers of energy (chakras), channels of energy (nadis) and eventually the rise of the Serpent power (Kundalini)
How to practice Yoga Hasta- Hand Mudra
1. Posture:
Meditative mudras require a meditative posture. But most other mudras can ne practised on the go, even while lying down or walking up the road or generally waiting. Follow the posture instructions for each mudra carefully.
2.Intention, mindset and mindfulness:
Faith is key to success. So, any new practice necessarily requires a certain amount of faith in ancient wisdom. Have a positive and open mind while you learn and relearn any new technique.
3. Mindfulness:
Mindfulness is key to almost all esoteric practices. Paying attention and being fully present and aware of the mudra while practicing accelerates the benefits.
4. Breathing
Practising slow, relaxed deep breathing and coordinating it with the mudra helps centre the wayward mind, making it focussed on the practise.
5.Pressure and hand positioning
Applying a gentle pressure is all it takes in Mudra Practise. Avoid any undue pressure on fingers or any unnatural hand positioning. Do read and re read the instructions carefully.
6.Duration
Start slow with only a few minutes of holding any mudra. As experience progresses increase the time to 5-15 minutes depending on the kind of mudra. Work out a schedule where you can fit in your desired mudras weekly. Practising all mudras daily might not be feasible. Some mudras may need 2-3 sessions daily.
7.Consistency
Mudras are a natural complimentary practise. Therefore, regular practice can reap great benefits over long term. Try to be consistent for a few months and only then assess the results.
Yoga Hasta Mudras and Hand Reflexology/ Acupressure
Hasta mudras serve the purpose of replenishing prana deficient areas in the body/mind, also promoting meditation, worship, japa , tantra rituals and communication.
The combination of fingers joined at different touch points; activate nadis and chakra centers and their associated body/mind functions. Additionally, they also bring about integrated awareness of the koshas- sheaths i.e Annamaya (Food Sheath), Pranamaya (Energy sheath) and Manomaya (Mind sheath) eventually helping bring about awareness of the Vijnana (Knowledge sheath) and finally Anandmaya kosha (Bliss sheath).
Hasta mudras are practised with Yoga asanas, Mantra/ Yantra, Pranayama, Bandha etc
Hand reflexology and acupressure work on a similar understanding. These involve applying pressure to specific points on the hands that corresponds to both internal and external parts of the body.
This school believes in the concept of zones in the hand that are deeply connected to systems, glands and organs of the body.
Therefore, by stimulating a particular zone on the hand an attempt is made to restore the natural balance of the corresponding organ for holistic wellness. For example, the base of the thumb corresponds to the lungs and respiratory system while the tip of the ring finger corresponds to reproductive system and hormonal balance.
World Hasta/ Hand Mudras : a quick glimpse:
Hand mudras have been integral to tradition in many world cultures and beliefs. Used for communication, prayer, expression and spiritual expansion, hand mudras have literally been a language in symbols on its own. A brief mention here:
Hinduism:
Hasta mudras such as Gyan Mudra (knowledge gesture) Anjali mudra (salutation gesture) are an integral part of Yoga practice, tantra rituals, Mantra japa as well as meditative practices. Indian classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi abound in beautiful hand mudras that convey a world of feelings and emotions. In Hindu iconography hand mudras also represent various deities, elements and energies.
2.Buddhism:
Hand mudras are integral to Buddhist meditation and religious traditions too. Buddha statues themselves display various hand mudras like the Dharmachakra mudra (teaching mudra) and the Vitarka mudra (discussion mudra) all representing positive sometimes divine qualities of compassion, wisdom etc.
3.Jainism:
Hand mudras like Dhyana mudra (meditation mudra) Varada mudra (blessing giving – boon giving mudra) signifying goodness, benevolence and tranquility are extensively used in Jain rituals and prayers.
4.Traditional Chinese Medicine:
Hand Mudras such as Baihui Mudra (gesture of hundred meetings) and Laogong Mudra (gesture of the palace of labor) are an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qigong and Tai chi. The flow of Qi (Prana/ energy) is manipulated to bring about healing and activation of energy channels and points (chakras and nadis in Indian parlance)
5. Native American traditions:
Gestures and hand mudras are used in dances, rituals, ceremonies, healing and for communication with the spirit world as well as nature.
6.Middle East and Africa
In the Middle East and Africa, the Hamsa is used as an amulet and a sign of protection. The word Hamsa means Five as in the five senses, five daily prayers, five fingers in the eye of evil.
7.Christian Symbolism:
Hand gestures also play a holy part in Christian prayers. The Sign of the Cross, representing Trinity touching the forehead, chest and shoulders symbolizes devotion and protection. The downward facing hand is also called as the ‘hand of Mary’ by Christians and ‘hand of Miriam’ by Jews.
8.Islamic Prayers:
Hand gestures play a key role in Islamic prayers too, like keeping the hands on the chest, or folded in front during prayer rituals symbolizing devotion, submission and protection. The downward facing hand is also called the ‘hand of Fatima’
