Mudras

Question 1

How to teach mudras

Answer 1

Introduce the name of the mudra
Purpose
Decribe its impact
Demonstrate

Question 2

Shiva Lingam Mudra

Answer 2

Purpose
Invokes and harmonises the masculine energy “shiva” (right hand) and the feminine energy “shakti (hindu goddess)” left hand
Held in front of the manipura chakra, this mudra awakens the inner fire, vitality, self-confidence and will
The devotion to shiva draws energy forward to remove and destroy obstacles we’re facing in our lives

When to use
Most appropriate during a point in your practice when building up energy and heat in the body
For example before surya namaskaar, standing in tadasana or seated in virasana

Question 3

Anjali Mudra

Answer 3

Purpose
Held in front of the anahata chakra, this mudra helps to connect withe own humility and devotion
Helps us to honor the divine in us
Creates a sense of harmonization between the two sides of the body and a feeling of being centered and balances physically and mentally

How to use
Mostly used in the beginning and end of the class but can also be incorporated in standing poses like vrksasana to cultivate a sense of connection and balance

Question 4

Gyan (jnana) and Chin Mudra

Answer 4

Purpose
To connect our individual wisdom with universal wisdom and to awaken that wisdom inside us
Gyan=wisdom

How to use
Mostly during seated, meditative part of the practice
Hand placement: Index finger connected with the thumb to create a circle of energy and extending the other three fingers away from the palm

Gyan Mudra: Palm down (more grounding quality)
Chin Mudra: Palm facing up (surrender to the universe)

Question 5

Dhyana Mudra

Answer 5

Purpose
Helps to connect to the svadisthana chakra and hence ground the prana
Formation of the hands helps to calm the mind in longer seated meditation

How to use
Both palms up, right hand resting on the left hand to create a bowl, tips of thumbs touching each other
This m, udra is used during seated poses in meditation or pranayama practice

Question 6

Kaleshvara Mudra

Answer 6

Purpose
Helps energize the practicioner
Helps overcome negative and addictive patterns (samskaras)
Helps to connenct with anahata chakra
strengthen our patterns of love

How to use
This mudra is used in seated poses either in the beginning or the end of the practice during meditation
Hand placement:
Press palms together like in anjali mudra, curl your fingers inward until the first two joints of the fingers are touching. Pull the thumbs away towards the heart and extend thi index fingers away from you, with the fingertips touching each other. Place your thumbs at the anahata