Mudra is a Sanskrit word that means “gesture,” “seal,” “mark,” and so on. Mudras are symbolic gestures generally performed with the hands, body, and eyes to channel energy in the pranic (subtle) body to create a spiritual connection between an individual’s pranic energy and cosmic energy.
According to the hatha yoga pradipika, mudras are considered a separate branch of yoga. They should only be introduced to the practitioner after achieving a particular knack in Asana, Pranayama, Bandha and clearing bottlenecks from the vibrant pathways (nadis) present in our subtle (pranic) body.
When performed with proficiency, a well-anchored mind, and a stable body exuding serenity, Yoga Mudras allow a practitioner to become conscious of the out and influence the instinctive habits instilled in the lower regions of the human brain. A practitioner’s constant and consistent practice of mudras (repetitive postures and gestures) often aims to revise and refine instinctive and primitive behavioral patterns, leading us to ultimate awakening.
But what exactly are mudras? What is their history, and how should they be used?
WHAT EXACTLY ARE MUDRAS?
Mudra is defined as a “physical/equivalent representation of mantras” by the International Journal of Yoga. Mantas, when spoken, generate a specific frequency that echoes within the body.
Mudras are a form of self-expression and nonverbal communication that is an ecstatic link between the gross body (annamaya kosha) and the energy body (pranamaya kosha). It enables the practitioner to create a free flow of prana (vital force) in the body early. Eventually, it allows the practitioner to control and redirect the elemental life force from ordinary to exceptionally awakened parts of the body, inducing an experience in which the mind expands beyond its given definitions and borders.
MUDRAS’ HISTORY:
The source of Yogic Mudras is strange today; although they are generally traced back to Asian roots, they have always been practiced worldwide. The old knowledge is engraved in the form of symbols if we dig through the archaic scripts. Egyptian scripts or Indus Valley scripts can be used as examples.
The Vedic era is thought to be the oldest period in human history. Some sources say it is 5000 years old, while others claim it has existed since time. The Vedas are the oldest yogic texts, proving that mudras were practiced daily during the Vedic period.
Mudra was later elaborated on in the classical hatha yoga texts “Gheranda Samhita” and “Hatha Yoga Pradipika.” As a result, these texts emphasize the significance of Mudra in yoga practices.
The chakras in our energy body constantly radiate vital force or energy that otherwise escapes the body. Mudra creates a by-pass circuit that acts as a barrier, preventing energy from escaping into the external environment and redirecting it within.
An extensive study confirms and reveals that our fingertips are linked to the five fundamental elements that make up our body.
Yoga practitioners improve their ability to re-orient prana, or vital force, within the body, escorting the practitioner into the background of Kundalini awakening by joining their fingertips.
Although the primary goal of Mudra is to awaken Kundalini, studies have shown that practicing Mudras has a variety of therapeutic effects. The Medicine, University of Colombo, conducted a survey based on a classical text, “Hatha yoga pradipika.” In total, 23 mudras were practiced over three months, resulting in rejuvenation, mental relaxation, prevention, cure of respiratory and rectum diseases, eye strengthening, and improved concentration power, among other benefits.
This release is articulated by Prittle Prattle News in the form of an authored article.
