Mudras - 1

[Guest guest]

Dear Friends,

 

I was thinking of posting on Mudras. My job has been made easy by the efforts of

Sri Prasanna Kumar of another group who has started a series of posts on the

subject. Let us all pray to Lord Shiva for Prasannaji's welfare as a sort of

spiritual payment for his noble efforts.

 

Regards,

Jagannath.

 

*MUDRAS-1*

By Prasanna Kumar.

 

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*M*

 

*Mantra, Yantra and Tantra* are the tools of *Dhyana* (The meditation), in

addition Mudras are often used to augment the concentration of the mind.These

are parts and parcel of Yoga or *Tantra*.

 

*Mudra* is derived from the *Sanskrit* word "*Mudru*". The meaning of "Mud"

means happy (Mudam) where as "Dru" denotes to extract. By adopting"*Mudras" *one

can derive the

pleasure of meditation by bringing the perfect harmony between the body and the

soul with the increased concentration of mind.

 

Further advantages derived by these mudras are correcting the health disorders

by rectifying the defects of Aura. While performing meditation, the vital energy

otherwise called "*Prana" *flows through the body in various circuits all the

way. Mudras help in diverting "*prana*" back

to the mind otherwise it flows in to the atmosphere through open ends (Finger

tips). Yoga illustrates that the vital energy emanates from the brain and flows

through *Pingal nadi* to the various parts of the body. This energy returns to

the brain through *Ida nadi. *It is believed that the part of excess energy so

developed by meditation dissipates in to the atmosphere

through open ends of the body.* *

 

Thus *Mudras *are best utilized to* *prepare the mind for meditation or to

correct the health disorders. According to Yogic and *Tantric* scriptures more

than one hundred Mudras exist, each is meant for producing a specific effect. In

this article the prominent and very popular Hand *Mudras * are illustrated for

the benefit of the members of Om Namah Shivaya. *Mudras

*are mainly classified* *into five groups, such as *Hasta* (Palm and fingers), *

Kaya* (Body Postures), Sira (The head), "*Aadhara*" (perennial or occurring

constantly) and *Bhandha* (Lock). Mudras that can be operated any time are

called Gross. Where as *Mudras those are *associated with* Mantras *are known as

Subtle.

 

Beginner is advised to practice *Mudras *by adopting Sukhasana (Comfortable

sitting position*)*. Assuming the Posture* *of* Padmasana* is the best one but

is not mandatory, except otherwise deemed necessary. Before starting, one is

advised to take two or three deep breaths, keep the body in a relaxed position,

and keep the back (Spinal) reasonably vertical. Too much stretching of spinal is

not advised as *Ida* and *Pingala* *nadi* would be stretched resulting narrow

passage for *Prana to flow through.* One may give a Self hypnotic suggestion to

oneself by saying "I am in relaxed position and all parts of my body are in

rest". This is followed by placing *Mudras*as directed. One should retain the

mudra for a period of 20 to

30 minutes for achieving specified advantage. Both the hands shall be utilized

for placing *Mudra*. Putting *Mudra* with one hand is permitted when the other

hand is engaged in performing rituals. The minimum period as stated shall be

maintained. One should be watchful in the earlier days of practice as fingers

would get unfolded after sometime when body awareness is absent while doing

meditation. The holding period may be reduced or increased

when a perfect coordination between body and mind is obtained. Mudras with out

any doubt are effective; one can derive more advantages of *Mudras * with

dedicated approach, belief and poignant attitude. It is to be kept in mind that

Mudras are the tools for moderation and not for total elimination of ailments or

illness. In any way it does not imply to discontinue the

medicines as prescribed for treatment of any illness. It advised to seek the

guidance of *Guru* (the learned person or teacher) for proper learning and

monitoring

 

* *

 

*1. **GYAN MUDRA & CHIN MUDRA*

 

Bend *Tarjani* (index Finger) so that the nail portion touches the

base of the *Angustha* (Thumb). *Madyam* (Middle finger), *Anamika*(Ring finger)

and *Kanistha* (Little finger) shall be held straight and kept apart. Fingers

shall not be stretched too tight and shall be in relaxed position (undue

pressure shall be avoided) to allow Prana to flow smoothly. Place the palm on

the knee.

 

Gyan and Chin Mudras are structurally same. They differ with each other in

placement of the palm over the knee. For Gyan Mudra hand shall be placed with

palm facing downwards (Keeping the back of the palm facing Sky). For Chin Mudra

reverse is true i.e. by placing the palm on the knee pointing towards sky.

 

There is a slight variation in Gyan Mudra as adopted by Gautam Buddha. Assume

Gyan Mudra as specified; bring the right hand up to the heart area and retain

the Mudra there. The Mudra thus made is described as Poorna mudra.

 

The various advantages derived through *Gyan Mudra* or *Chin Mudra*

is;

 

- Keeps the mind in balance while doing the meditation;

- Assures mental peace; cures depression and other mental ailments;

- Bestows Sharp memory, Wisdom;

- Reduces the ego to bare minimum (It is to be kept in mind that

Mudras are the tools to moderate and not for total elimination.

However ego is required and its total elimination is uncalled for);

- Accelerate the spiritual growth; and

- Promotes creativity.

 

om namah shivaya

 

Prasanna Kumar.