Make subtle changes within…

Allow the Hands to express and release the energy!

Mudra comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “seal”, for example to seal in energy or to focus energy. Mudras are symbolic hand gestures that mystically change the prana (energy) in your body. There are also eye positions, postures and breathing techniques that are called Mudras, however I am sharing hand gestures with you. There are lots of different Mudras, each representing different qualities, like courage, knowledge, enlightenment, wisdom.

Mudras are used in Hinduism as well as Indian dance, where dancers extensively use hand gestures. In Buddhism, the Buddha used Mudras too, which you can see from statues, pictures and Sutras.

In Hatha Yoga they are used in breath work (pranayama), meditation and in Yoga Postures too. When used in Yoga practice they add focus and increase the prana and assist you to channel this energy and help to calm and focus the mind too.

The Hands express…
The hands express our thoughts and feelings. When you communicate with someone, the hands move, appearing to further communicate what you are speaking. The hands also reflect your state of mind even when one isn't speaking. For example, when you are nervous the fingers often fidget or when you are upset you might clench the hands or if you become angry a fist might form.

The opposite of these negative emotions are feelings of warmth and respect. For
Example, when you meet someone you greet them with a handshake. When pray the hands come into prayer position palms together; this is Anjali Mudra; the Prayer Seal, hands placed together at the heart level. In meditation, if you saw the Buddha or a deity with their hands clenched, it wouldn’t instil calmness, peace or tranquillity would it?

Maybe you haven’t thought of the significance of Mudras before…so here I’ll explain a little for you to learn more about for your practice of Yoga or meditation.

Actions speak louder than words
During Yoga the power of these Mudras go far beyond just adding focus. It is easier to look at Buddha or Hindu deities and see them possessing wisdom, enlightenment or courage, than it is to look at yourself and see those same qualities. Mudras help you to choose to feel, see and express these same qualities. This is what Buddha taught and wanted you to understand; that you do possess the same qualities as him.

Just like the breath is the bridge between the body and mind, Mudras are the bridge between your inner and outer world, they help to develop the energy within so you use it. Actions speak louder than words; Mudras are a physical action of a prayer form within.