A mudrā (Sanskrit: मु दा , lit. "seal") is a symbolic or ritual gesture inHinduism and Buddhism. While some mudrās involve the entirebody, most are performed with the hands and fingers. Mudrā(Sanskrit) is "spiritual gesture" and energetic "seal of authenticity"employed in the iconography and spiritual practice of Indian religionsand Taoism. (Wikipedia)Mudrās are arm, hand and body positions used in the traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. The great Buddha knew the use of mudrāsand is often depicted using these ritual gestures. Various Kung Fuforms contain positions identical to these mudrās.108 mudras are used in regular Tantric rituals. Mudras are also usedin Indian Classical Dance. There are over 200 mudras inbharatanatyam and over 250 in mohiniattam.
Mudras relationship with the elements
The physical body is made up of five elements namely - Air, Water, Fire, Earth and Aakash (ether - the tiny intercellular spaces in the human body).
Imbalance of these elements disrupts the immunity system and causes disease.
Deficiencies in any of these elements can be made up by connecting one part of the body with another in a particular manner through Mudras.
When a finger representing an element is brought into contact with the thumb, that element is brought into balance. Therefore the disease caused by the imbalance is cured. Mudras start electromagnetic currents within the body which balance various constituting elements and restore health. The joining of fingers creates an effect on the human body.
Five Fingers for Five Elements
* Thumb Fire
* Index Air
* Middle Aakash
* Ring Earth *
Little Water
There is a direct relationship between the hands and the neck since the nerve paths run through the vertebral form in the arms, hands, and fingers. The flexibility of the hands always effects the flexibility of the neck. Therefore, hand exercises relieve tensions in the neck. Moreover, spreading the ten fingers creates a reflex that causes the chest vertebrae to spread out.
The hands and fingers also have an additional direct relationship to the heart and lungs. many people can no longer properly stretch their fingers with increasing age. This shows tension in the heart area, which often indicates the prelude to heart disease or a tendency toward osteoporosis. This slightly crooked hand position also impedes inhalation. The result is that the optimum amount of air is not drawn into the lungs, especially into the lung borders, which promotes contamination in those areas.
Reflex Zones
The hand reflex zones correspond to the foot reflex zones, the massage treatment of which is generally known today. Since some of the organs are only found on one side of the body such as the heart and liver, this is reflected in the hands. Since hands come in different sizes, you may not find the exact pressure point immediately. When you have found the desired point, massage it with your thumb, using light pressure and slow, circular movements. One to 3 minutes are enough.
Mudras are sacred ritual gestures or hand positions. When used in religious dance they become an elaborate hand language. The Sanskrit word Mudra means seal. In the most antiquated times mudra was used with mantra and sealed the pattern of energy. The earliest mudra was the Sanskrit symbol. From this primordial system of mudra grew a secret language that became as diverse as the country it was practiced in. Mudra is likewise used for the purpose of prayer.
Mudra is a pattered movement mainly of the fingers that carries an idea or emotion. Mudras are a gesture language capable of expressing ideas and suggesting symbols. Mudras create an energy field and can be used in healing. The ultimate goal of mudra is a higher state of consciousness.
In yoga these sacred hand positions relate to the energy flow of a particular meditation. They enhance the asana (posture) and sound current (mantra). Mudras in yoga are symbolic of mantras and send signals to the glands and to a specific part of the brain depending on the purpose of the meditation or yoga set.
Colors affect the Mudra
Colors influence our minds and our lives on every level. In color therapy, various shades of color are specifically applied to regenerate the organs and glands, as well as to activate the processes of elimination, respiration, and circulation. Colors also influence our moods and every type of mental activity.
Red stimulates the circulation, makes us alert, warms and relaxes, but can also bring out aggression;
Orange improves the mood, promotes lightness, stimulates sexuality, but can also stimulate superficiality;
Yellow stimulates digestion, makes us mentally alert, and lets life appear in a bright light, but it can also be obtrusive;
Green is generally calming; it regenerates on every level, and gives us the desire to start something new;
Blue is also calming, but this calmness goes deeper and provides a sense of security; it conveys protection, and symbolizes the silent yearning for the incomprehensible;
Violet is the color of transformation, change, and spirituality;
Brown is the color of stability and connection to the earth, but too much can lead to stagnation;
White bears the entire spectrum of the other colors within itself, containing birth as well as death;
Black is the color of protection, of gathering strength, of retreat, and of the emptiness that already bears abundance within itself.
There are no "bad" colors. Every color can also be seen in our aura or energy body. When a color gains dominance or is not in its right place, it will initially have an effect on the general feeling of well-being. With time, a health disorder may develop as a result. However, the course of an illness can also be reversed with the help of colors.
You can have some beautiful experiences using color meditations. If you prefer a certain color, it may well be that you need the corresponding qualities. However, if you give too much preference to one color, this can develop into an addiction and the color may harm you. While holding a mudra, you can either visualize a color or concentrate on the color of an object. With visualization the color will then come to life.
Gyan Mudra Gyan mudra is the most commonly used mudra in yoga meditations and meditations in general. Effective in cases of mental ailment, imparts happiness, the intellect develops, memory is sharpened. Enables one to communicate clearly. Gyana Mudra invites meditation, invites calmness and helps tune in to new awareness, knowledge and abilities. Helps with concentration. If we practice this regularly, it cures anger, hysteria, depression etc.
Method Join the tips of the index finger and thumb and keep the other 3 fingers stretched and joined. Rest palms on the knee facing up during meditation.
The tips of the fingers are centers for pituatiry and endocrine glands. By doing this mudra, the glands work actively.
- Sri Eswaran
