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Mudras
A 'Mudra' is performed by pressing a finger onto another in a particular
fashion. Acupressure Therapy states that the key to our health resides in our
hands and that a particular kind of energy is continuously transmitted from
them. It is believed that there is a chakra in the centre of the palm which
emits an electro-magnetic ray .
Most of us have experienced that whenever we rub our hands together, it
generates heat. If one adds the power of mind and love, the results can be
dramatic.
Like the Universe the human body is made up of 5 elements. In the case of the
hand:
The THUMB represents the Fire or SUN
The INDEX FINGER represents AIR or WIND
The MIDDLE FINGER represents SKY or SPACE
The RING FINGER represents EARTH
The SMALL FINGER represents WATER.
The proper study of Mudras helps us to control the 5 elements. These Mudras
can create energy waves in our body which help to bring the 5 elements into a
proper balance. These then cure many diseases, be they physical, mental and/or
spiritual. Achaarya Keshav Deo states: "If a human body is a machine, the
mudras are the controlling switches of this machine". Different Mudras are
performed for different purposes.
GYAAN MUDRA
Touch
the tip of the thumb with the tip of the index finger. No need to press. Though
you may sit in any comfortable position, best results are derived whilst
meditating sitting cross-legged. This mudra increases Brain Power. It brings
relief to people suffering from anger, mental tensions, headaches, insomnia,
laziness and depression. It also helps mentally retarded children. You may
practice this mudra for as long as you please.
A
Reader enquires and Niradhara
Marie replies:
I would
like to know some more information about the Mudras.
I was reading about the Mudras, The Gyaan Mudra and the Varun Mudra. As
you have said for the Gyaan Mudra, it is the touching of the index
finger and the thumb. Please let me know that do I have to chant
anything while touching those fingers and also for the Varun Mudra, if I
have to chant some mantras with it as well.
The
Gyan Mudra and the Varun Mudra.
Gyan
means wisdom and so the Gayatri mantra is a good choice. OM or AUM is
also always an appropriate mantra. This is the most commonly used
mantra and mudra combination. It is universal in that it contains the
chi in a simple and direct way. You may chant any mantra of your
choosing for the goal you wish to achieve. You do not have to chant
with mudras though any layering as suggested, will intensify the experience
and effect.
A poetic translation from Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati (c. 1955)
The incoming, the outgoing, the balancing forces of the universe. We
meditate on the effulgent light of Supreme Consciousness, the radiant source
of all creation. May that inspire our wisdom.
Varun means water. Water is life. As per acupressure therapy, the little
finger of left hand represents left portion of the body. Similarly, the
little finger of right hand is symbolic of right portion. The little
fingers, affecting the left and right parts of the body, are influenced by
fire element. By exerting pressures on both the fingers, the left and right
portions of the body become healthy and strong. Disorders are removed,
the energy is balanced. The moisture of the body is purified, we are
made almost entirely of water. The state of unconsciousness ends. A
particular Shanti Padah is indicated when in prayer for world peace with
performing the Varun mudra. It will cleanse your own inner world of
water as well.
Vedic Peace Invocation
OM DYAUH SHANTIR, ANTARIKSHAM SHANTIH, PRTHIVI SHANTIR, APAH SHANTIR,
OSHADHAYA SHANTIH, VANAS-PATAYAH SHANTIR, VISVE DEVA SHANTIR, BRAHMA SHANTIH,
SARVAM SHANTIH, SHANTIR EVA SHANTIH, SA MA SHANTIR EDHI, OM SHANTIH, SHANTIH,
SHANTIH, OM
Translation by Shri Bramhananda Sarasvati (c.1978)
OM may all heavens - sun , moon, stars and all zodiac signs – be in peace
and harmony. May the space between the Earth and the sun, moon, and
stars be without pollution. May all the waters be peaceful and free
from pollutions: oceans, rivers, drinking water and rain (the water of the
microcosm of our bodies). May all medicinal herbs and plants be
in their natrual state – free from all pollutants (insecticides, etc). May
the whole vegetable kingdom, including trees and forests, be in a natural
state, healthy and free from pollutants. May all the elements
– earth, water, fire, air and ether – and all the cosmic forces be in
peace and harmony without pollutions. May our body, mind, and soul and
all of the existence be in peace and harmony and free from pollution. May
everything and all beings, in and out, be peaceful and in harmony free from
pollution! And may peace itself be real peace, not artificially made
by military and police forces. And last but not least, may that
natural peace, harmony and unity manifest and blossom through us! May
there be peace, peace, peace – physically, mentally, spiritually.
some full posture advice to go with your
mudras:
Stretch the arms out straight parallel to the floor, elbows locked
Recommended with chanting at least 3 times
Stretch the arms out straight parallel to the floor, elbows locked
Focus your eyes to two and one half finger widths above the nose at the
center point between the eyebrows at the Third Eye
Inhale through the teeth with the jaw relaxed
Exhale through the nose
No mantra is necessary but it is OK to chant your favorite mantra.
To end Inhale deeply and hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat
Q If possible let me know what MANTRA I have to chant to
overcome anxiety and please tell me about the MUDRAS. (Gyaan and Varun
Mudra)
Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo
This is a mantra recommended for overcoming
past trauma and anxiety in the present. You are humbly asking to be shown
your inner guru (Sat Guru) to teach you what you are to learn from
this experience of trauma. You bow to that God inside you, honor yourself as
a manifestation of God and let Go and let God take care of you and guide
you.
Peace
& Purpose -
NirAdhArA
AAKAASH MUDRA
Aakaash
means 'space' This Mudra is performed by pressing the tip of the middle
finger to the tip of the Thumb. The middle finger is specially related to the
heart. This Mudra is good for the heart and bone ailments. So if one is chanting
one should hold the mala (rosary) in ones right hand close to the heart. If one
is seeking wealth and worldly pleasures, that is required for peace And joy in
family life, then chanting should be done by holding the mala And moving the
beads with ones thumb and middle finger. Do the above if you have a desire for a
son. If one uses ones thumb and index finger (Like the Gyaan Mudra) while Moving
the beads, it aids in ending enmity and/or suffering. Do not touch the beads
with your nails and do not pass the meru (the centre Bead) If you do, you may
not get what you desire. Practice this Mudra only when required, and avoid doing
it for long periods.
PRITHVI MUDRA
This
Mudra is performed by pressing the ring finger and the thumb. It is believed
that an electric current passes through the ring finger (Maybe that is the
reason for wearing engagements and wedding bands on it) One generally applies
tika with the ring finger and/or with the thumb. There is a two-petalled lotus
in our forehead according to Yoga. By touching this lotus with the finger or
thumb, invisible spiritual powers are enhanced. If one turns the beads of a mala
with the thumb and the ring finger, It helps in ones progress towards
enlightenment. This Mudra improves the texture of the skin as it improves
health. It helps in gaining as much weight as is required. One may practice this
Mudra for as long as one feels like.
VARUN MUDRA
This
Mudra is performed by pressing the tip of the little finger with the Tip of the
thumb. If one suffers from dryness of the body, this mudra helps in restoring
moisture. This Mudra is beneficial for those who suffer from gastro-enteritis
and stomach cramps. You may practice this mudra whenever needed.
Have received the following information from an Internet message...shall be
happy to give credit where it is due...
A mudra is a bodily posture or symbolic gesture. In
Buddhist iconography every buddha is depicted with a characteristic gesture of
the hands. Such gestures correspond to natural gestures (of teaching,
protecting, and so on) and also to certain aspects of the Buddhist teaching or
of the particular Buddha depicted.
Here mudras accompany the performance of liturgies and the
recitation of mantras. They also help to actualize certain inner states in that
they anticipate their physical expression; thus they assist in bringing about a
connection between the practitioner and the buddha visualized in a given
practice.
The most important mudras are:
1.) Dhyani Mudra.................(gesture of meditation)
2.) Vitarka Mudra................(teaching gesture)
3.) Dharmachakra Mudra.....(gesture of turning the wheel of the teaching)
4.) Bhumisparsha Mudra......(gesture of touching the earth)
5.) Abhaya Mudra...............(gesture of fearlessness and granting protection)
6.) Varada Mudra................(gesture of granting wishes)
7.) Uttarabodhi Mudra.........(gesture of supreme enlightenment)
8.) Mudra of Supreme Wisdom
9.) Anjali Mudra...................(gesture of greeting and veneration)
10.) Vajrapradama Mudra....(gesture of unshakable confidence)
| 1.)Dhyani Mudra |
|
In this mudra, the back of the
right hand rests on the palm of the other in such a way that the tips of
the thumbs lightly touch one another. The hands rest in the lap. The
right hand, resting on top, symbolizes the state of enlightenment; the
other hand, resting below, the world of appearance. This gesture
expresses overcoming the world of appearance through enlightenment, as
well as the enlightened state of mind for which samsara and nirvana are
one. In a special form of this mudra, the middle, ring, and little
fingers of both hands lie on top one another and the thumbs and index
finger of each hand, touching each other, form a circle, which here also
symbolizes the world of appearance and the true nature of reality. |
| 2.)Vitarka Mudra |
|
The right hand points upward, the left downward; both palms are tuned
outward. The thumb and index finger of each hand form a circle. The
right hand is at shoulder level, the left at the level of the hips. In a
variant of this teaching gesture, the left hand rests palm upward in the
lap, and the right hand is raised to shoulder level with its thumb and
index finger forming a circle. In a further form of this mudra, the
index finger and little fingers of both hands are fully extended, the
middle and ring fingers somewhat curved inward. The left hand points
upward, the right downward. |
| 3.)Dharmachakra Mudra |
|
The left palm is tuned inward (toward the body), the right outward,
and the circles formed by the thumbs and index fingers of each hand
touch one another. |
| 4.)Bhumisparsha Mudra |
|
The left hand rests palm upward in the lap; the right hand, hanging
over the knee, palm inward, points to the earth. Sometimes the left hand
holds a begging bowl. This is the gesture with which the Buddha summoned
the Earth as witness to his realization of buddhahood. It is considered
a gesture of unshakability; thus Akshobhya (the Unshakable) is usually
depicted with this mudra. |
| 5.)Abhaya Mudra |
|
Here the right hand is raised to shoulder height with fingers extended
and palm turned outward. This is the gesture of the Buddha Shakyamuni
immediately after attaining enlightenment. |
| 6.)Varada Mudra |
|
The right hand, palm facing out, is directed downward. When Shakyamuni
is depicted with this mudra, it symbolizes summoning Heaven as witness
to his buddhahood. This mudra is also seen in representations of
Ratnasambhava. In a variant, the thumb and index finger of the downward
extended hand touch one another. Frequently the abhaya and varada mudras
are combined: the right hand makes the gesture of fearlessness, the left
that of wish granting. |
| 7.)Uttarabodhi Mudra |
|
Both hands are held at the level of the chest, the two raised index
fingers touch one another, the remaining fingers are crossed and folded
down.; the thumbs touch each other at the tips or are also crossed and
folded. This mudra is frequently seen in images of Vairochana. |
8.)Mudra of Supreme
Wisdom |
|
The right index finger is grasped by the five fingers of the left
hand. This mudra, characteristic of Vairochana, is the subject of many
interretations in esoteric Buddhism, most which have to do with the
relationship between the empirical world of manifoldness and the
principle that is its basis-the unified world principle, the realization
of unity in the manifold as embodied in Buddha. |
| 9.) Anjali Mudra |
|
The palms are held together at the level of the chest. This is the
customary gesture of greeting in India. Used as a mudra, it expresses
"suchness" (tahata). |
| 10.)Vajrapradama Mudra |
|
The fingertips of the hands are crossed. This is gesture of unshakable
confidence. |
Malas are held draped over the second finger and you turn the beads with
the thumb. the first finger should not touch the beads. the reason for this is
the first finger represents the ego, the thumb represents the self. so the ego
has to be kept out of the way.
when you reach the end of the mala, symbolised by the meru bead, the big one at
the end, then just turn it around and go back the way you came. do not cross the
bead - crossing it makes the mantras ineffective.
Rohini
Rohini
 
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