The Mindful Soul Center (formerly Conscious Life Space)

My recent video series inspired me to answer the question – What is a Mudra anyway?

A mudra (मुद्रा, mudrā) is often referred to as a seal, mark or gesture which is symbolic in nature. However, it goes beyond symbolism. When we place any part of our body in a specific position, whether it is a yoga asana (pose) or a mudra, we stimulate our nervous system. Our fingertips have many concentrated nerve endings. Keeping our hands or other body parts in an active or extended position for a period of time create tension and activate specific nerves depending on which mudra you are practicing.

Mudras were created with a purpose. They can help us overcome specific phobias. They can relieve stress and help us to focus and connect with the divine. Each has its own meaning and in some cases can be practiced in a variety of ways. For instance, the Gyana mudra can be practiced with one or both hands. It’s most commonly practiced in meditation and Ashtanga yoga with both hands.

They are related to specific parts of the body and can impact your physical, mental and spiritual bodies. For example, if you want to dispel fear, the Abhay (without fear) mudra is recommended. This gesture is an outward-facing open palm. Some mudras can even lead to various states of consciousness.

Types of Mudras

Whilst some mudras involve the entire body or a specific part of the body, most are performed with the hands and fingers only. Hand mudras are known as Hasta mudras. Other types of mudras include head (Mana), postural (Kaya), lock (Bandha), and perineal (Adhara.)

Origin and Depictions of Mudras

Mudras originated from spiritual traditions and are credited generally to Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism and were first documented in Hindu historical texts. However, they appear on all continents and it appears that all spiritual traditions have used them throughout history.

They have been depicted in art through the ages beginning with the paintings and sculptures in the caves of Ajanta and Ellora, dating back to first and second centuries BC. They are shown in Egyptian hieroglyphics, Christian painted icons and the Babylonian sun god Damuzi is shown using mudras.

In addition to the traditions mentioned above, the Sufis, as well as clergy in Christian traditions, use mudras in rites and rituals. People without any religious affiliation use them as well. They are frequently used in meditation and yoga.

I hope that gives you a good general overview of what a mudra is and if you want to learn more about them, leave me a voicemail message (click the tab on the right to record your message.) Watch the how-to mudra videos above and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

You can also leave a comment on one of the videos or join the Mindful Soul Center’s free network https://www.mindfulsoul.center.

Sources and Resources:

List of Mudras

Mudra Vigyan

Mudras and Neural Networks

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