Mudras are gestures, mostly of the hands, that according to yoga direct energy and help create a particular inner state. They are discreet, simple and very powerful when done with attention.
The meaning of the fingers
- Thumb: universal consciousness.
- Index: individual consciousness, the ego.
- Middle: sattva, clarity.
- Ring: rajas, activity.
- Little finger: tamas, inertia.
Some essential mudras
- Chin mudra: index fingertip touches the thumb. Ego joins universal consciousness. The classic meditation mudra.
- Anjali mudra: palms together at the chest. Greeting, gratitude, centring.
- Dhyana mudra: hands in the lap, right over left, thumbs touching. Calm and introspection.
- Bhairava mudra: one hand resting on the other, palms up. Union of the two energies.
- Vishnu mudra: index and middle fingers folded. Used for Nadi Shodhana.
- Shanmukhi mudra: closing ears, eyes, nose and mouth with the fingers to turn attention inward, as in Bhramari.
Try meditating for five minutes with each mudra and notice whether your experience changes. The difference is often subtle, but real.
