What do mudras represent

The thumb and index fingers touch lightly together, as above, but this time the palms face downwards on the knees or thighs. Chin Mudra is often confused with Jjana Mudra as they look so similar the but direction of the palms downwards signify a different meaning. This more introspective gesture is said to have a grounding effect, encouraging our attention and focus to move inwards.

Anjali mudra is also used during the physical part of yoga practice Asana — for example in Tadanasa , Vrksasana and as part of the Surya Namaskar sequence.

To do it, bring the palms together, and place the thumbs lightly on sternum with the fingers pointing upwards. Press the palms evenly together, noticing whether the pressure is more intense in the dominant hand. Bow your chin towards the thumbs whilst bringing the back of the head slightly back. Try and lift the sternum up towards the chin, rather than dropping the full weight of the head.

Joining the palms together is said to unite the right and left hemispheres of the brain, symbolising our connection to ourselves and to others. Articles Practice. Share article. Thus the mudra as a whole suggests the supremacy of the enlightened mind.

Tsong-kha-pa detail , contemporary fresco, Drepung Monastery, Lhasa, Tibet. Courtesy Graham Harrison. Amitabha, 9th century, Candi Borobudur, Central Java. Courtesy Dirk Bakker. Teaching mudra. Held at chest level, the right hand faces outward. Mudra of turning the Wheel of the Teaching. The thumbs and forefingers of each hand form circles that touch one another. The left hand faces inward, the right hand, out.

The hands are held on a level with the heart. With the earth-touching mudra, the left hand rests in the lap with the palm facing upward. The right hand rests palm down on the right knee with the fingers pointing toward the earth. It signifies the discussion and transmission of the teachings of the Buddha.

It is performed by joining the tips of the thumb and the index fingers together while keeping the other fingers straight, which is just like to Abhaya Mudra and varada mudra but in this Mudra the thumbs touching the index fingers. Abhaya Mudra. It is a gesture of fearlessness or blessing that represents the protection, peace, benevolence and dispelling of fear. It is performed with the help of right hand by raising to shoulder height with a bent arm and the face of the palm will be facing outward with fingers upright whereas the left hand hanging down while standing.

Uttarabodhi Mudra. This gesture denotes the supreme enlightenment by connecting oneself with divine universal energy. It is performed with the help of both the hand, which placed at the heart and the index fingers touching and pointing upwards and the remaining fingers intertwined.

Anjali Mudra. It is performed by pressing the palms of the hands together in which the hands are held at the heart chakra with thumbs resting lightly against the sternum. Important Days and Dates in May Are you worried or stressed? Click here for Expert Advice. Comment 0. Post Comment.

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