Top 10 Mudras to Enhance Your Yoga Practice

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Mudras, or hand gestures, are symbolic “seals” or “locks” used in yoga. When yogis meditate with their hands resting on their knees and their thumb and forefinger touching, they practice a mudra.

Why do they do this? It’s believed that by positioning the hands in these specific ways, yogis help direct energy into areas of the body that regular yoga poses can’t access.

Here are 10 fascinating mudras and their benefits!

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1. Gyan Mudra

Gyan Mudra, or Chin Mudra, is the most commonly used mudra in yoga and meditation. You’ve probably practiced it many times, especially if you follow online yoga or have your meditation routine. In this mudra, the tips of your thumb and index finger touch to form a circle while the other three fingers stay straight.

This hand position is believed to promote unity within yourself and the universe. It is also said to enhance knowledge, focus, and creativity. Gyan Mudra helps open the flow of energy throughout the body.

Here’s how to practice Gyan Mudra:

• Touch the tip of your thumb to the tip of your index finger on both hands.

• Keep the other fingers straight and relaxed.

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2. Shunya Mudra

Shunya Mudra, also known as Shuni Mudra, is similar to Gyan Mudra, but here, you bring the tip of your middle finger to touch your thumb instead of the index finger. This mudra is believed to promote patience, stability, and discipline. It is also said to help with ear-related issues. If you want to bring more of these qualities into your life, practice Shunya Mudra while sitting quietly.

Here’s how to practice Shunya Mudra:

• Place the tip of your middle finger at the base of your palm.

• Gently press your thumb against the middle finger, just below the knuckle.

• Let your other fingers stay relaxed and straight.

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3. Surya Ravi Mudra

Surya Ravi Mudra is similar to the previous two mudras, but you bring your ring finger to touch your thumb here. This mudra is believed to bring the practitioner energy, wellness, and positive change. “Surya” and “Ravi” both mean “sun” in Sanskrit, so it’s also known as the “seal of the sun.” You can practice this mudra when you want to feel balanced and complete.

To practice Surya Ravi mudra:

• Touch the tip of your thumb to the tip of your ring finger.

• Keep the other three fingers straight and relaxed.

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4. Lotus Mudra

Lotus Mudra symbolizes compassion and loving kindness. It represents positive transformation, helping you rise above challenges and reveal your true self—your higher nature or Atman.

Here’s how to practice Lotus Mudra:

• Bring your hands together at the center of your chest.

• Join your pinky fingers and thumbs together.

• Stretch the other six fingers upward toward the sky.

• Visualize your hands forming a sacred lotus flower in front of your heart.

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5. Anjali Mudra

Anjali Mudra is also known as Gyan Mudra. This gesture, often called “Namaste” or the prayer pose, is used when greeting someone with “Namaste.” To practice it, bring your hands together in a prayer position at the center of your chest.

Anjali Mudra is a powerful gesture symbolizing gratitude and recognizing the divine light within ourselves and others. When we bow with hands in Anjali Mudra, it’s like saying, “The light in me acknowledges the light in you.” In India, people often use this mudra in daily greetings, similar to how frequently Gyan Mudra is practiced.

Here’s how to practice Anjali Mudra:

• Place your palms together at the center of your chest, with your fingers pointing upward.

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6. Karana Mudra

Karana Mudra is used to dissolve negative thoughts and remove obstacles in your path. It also stimulates the Fire and Ether elements in the body. Known as the “gesture for warding off evil,” Karana Mudra helps to dispel negativity and reduce anxiety.

Here’s how to practice Karana Mudra:

• Lift your left hand to chest level, with the palm facing outward.

• Bend your ring and middle fingers toward the palm, and gently touch the tip of your thumb to both.

• Keep the other two fingers straight and relaxed.

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7. Ganesha Mudra

Ganesha Mudra is associated with the elephant deity, Ganesh, who is believed to remove obstacles. This mudra is said to boost self-confidence and give strength to overcome personal challenges.

It also helps release tension in the heart and is believed to ease the pain of heartache. If you’re feeling emotionally heavy or the energy around your heart feels blocked, practicing Ganesha Mudra can help clear it.

Here’s how to practice Ganesha Mudra:

• Place your palms together at the center of your chest.

• Turn your palms so your fingers point towards the opposite elbow, with your right palm facing inward and your left palm facing outward.

• Place your thumbs gently against the little finger of the opposite hand.

• Place your thumbs softly on the little finger of the other hand.

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8. Dhyana Mudra

Dhyana mudra is thought to bring peace, making it ideal for meditation or quiet reflection. This gesture symbolizes balance. The right hand, representing enlightenment and higher consciousness, rests on top of the left hand, which symbolizes illusion.

• To practice Dhyana mudra:

• Place your hands in your lap, with the back of your right hand resting on the palm of your left hand.

• Touch the tips of your thumbs together to form a circle.

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9. Hakini Mudra

Hakini mudra is thought to improve communication and cooperation between both sides of the brain. Named after the goddess Hakini, the Sanskrit word “Hakini” means “power.” This mudra is believed to help practitioners gain control over their minds.

To practice Hakini mudra:

• Bring your palms close together, leaving a few inches of space between them.

• Bring the tips of each finger to touch the matching finger on the other palm.

• The hands can then be raised to touch the center of the forehead.

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10. Abhaya Mudra

Abhaya mudra is a gesture of friendliness that brings a welcoming energy and promotes peace to others. It symbolizes safety and peace. The word “Abhaya” in Sanskrit means “fearlessness,” so this mudra is used to inspire deep courage.

To practice Abhaya mudra:

• Bring the right hand up to shoulder height with the palm facing outward.

• Keep the fingers relaxed and straight.

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Good Mood Mudras

Try incorporating one of these 10 mudras into your practice, whether during meditation or throughout your day, to balance your energy and harness the natural healing power of your body.

For the best results, hold the mudra positions for at least five minutes, applying enough pressure to feel the energy flow without causing your fingertips to turn white.

(Along with mastering these mudras, here are 7 steps to enhance your meditation practice.)

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Conclusion

Incorporating mudras into your yoga practice can significantly enhance your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Using these hand gestures, you can balance your energy, deepen your meditation, and tap into your body’s natural healing power. Remember to practice each mudra with awareness, patience, and consistency for the best results. Whether new to mudras or experienced, these powerful gestures can take your practice to the next level, promoting inner peace and a deeper connection with yourself.

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FAQs

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