|
Amazing
Mudras
Mudras are gestures or mystic positions of the hands that are used in
meditation to change the balance and consciousness of energy within the
human body. Historic records of the meaning and practice of Mudras can be
found throughout both Eastern and Western cultures. In India, China and
Tibet the language of Mudras is present in every ancient artwork depicting
Deities and Spirit Masters.
This
holy figure of the Buddha from Emeishan in China, holds his hand
in the Mudra of patience thereby conferring patience on those
that practice meditation at this special location. |
The
diagrams above and below are from a late 9th century horizontal
scroll depicting more than 38 different Mudras. The scroll was
found in the famous Dunhuang cave complex on the Silk Route in
North western China. |
|
Our hands and fingers are truly amazing instruments. They
define us as human beings. They are symbolic of giving, receiving and
communicating; of holding releasing and creating. We reach out into the
world with our hands and make contact with this earth. Each finger
contains important energy channels that connect to organs and charkas
throughout the body. Through our hands we can collect vital energy and
gather important information. Mudra practice is a good way
to develop your sensitivity to spiritual energy and increase communication
with your inner self. Below are diagrams of 4 basic Mudras adapted
from the book Meditation as Medicine by D.S. Khalsa & C. Stauth. Another
great resource is Mudras - Yoga in your Hands by G. Hirschi.
|
|
|
Mudra of Wisdom
The tip of the index finger (the finger of the self
or ego) touches the thumb (the divine finger). |
|
|
Mudra of
Patience
The tip of the middle finger (the finger of
stability and strength) touches the thumb (the divine finger). |
|
|
Mudra of
Health
The tip of the ring finger (the finger of personal
power) touches the thumb (the divine finger). |
|
|
Mudra of
Intuition
The tip of the little finger (the finger of the
intellect) touches the thumb (the divine finger). |
Begin Mudra
practice in a quiet place so you can more easily pay attention to subtle
changes in your energy and emotions. To help you tune in,
use your intuition to answer the following questions:
-
Which
finger position would you feel most comfortable with practicing now?
-
Is this answer the same for your left and right hands?
-
Do
you feel like holding the hand up or down?
-
Are your other fingers relaxed or do you feel like pushing energy through
them?
-
Concentrate
on the circle of energy created by your fingers touching, can you feel
energy moving or pulsing there?
-
How
long do you feel comfortable with the position? Can you notice a
beginning, middle and end phase to your practice?
|
