What was the best part of your day today? That one moment when you made a connection? Today while changing my granddaughter Willow’s diaper, I looked her right in the eyes and said, “Do you know I love you so much!” She didn’t answer, but made this sign with her tiny little hand. My heart nearly exploded. I asked her if she could please hold that while I took her picture, and she actually did. Hands are more that just functional, the position her hand took sent me a clear message…I love you too.
Our hands carry power and creative energy. With their sensitivity and dexterity we can manipulate all sorts of tools and instruments. We can heal with their touch, or harm. The intention we wish to convey can be felt in a single touch or gesture. The hands are considered sacred, a masterpiece of divine engineering. Throughout history the hand was viewed as a mini universe, with all the elements at play. Each finger representing these principles. The thumb/earth, index finger/metal, middle finger/fire, ring finger/wood and pinky/water. These elements are woven through art and philosophy in the Chinese tradition. In India a tradition similar to that of China emerged. Ancient seers known as (rishis) discovered a connection between the hand and the Pancha Maha Bhuta (5 great elements). The five great elements theory is used throughout East Asia. It consists of fire, air, ether/space, earth and water. Stuff of this world, but there is also an inner constitution of these five elements. Balance between the inner and the outer natural world is said to create harmony. Through years of research, experiment, and sharing of ideas from other Asian cultures, a large body of gestures known as Mudras came about. We know quite a bit about mudras, because Hindu and Buddhist scholars wrote formal and systematic discourse in which gestures were described in detail. They are also described in mythology and depicted in art and dance.
Other societies in antiquity used “ritual gestures” meaning using the hands for worship. In ancient Hebrew society, the hand was a symbol of one’s power. In Egypt, the hands, head or arms were used. These gestures may be the most difficult and complex to understand. It is possible that a gesture can be interpreted in a number of ways. Sometime the form and meaning may be very specific, and other times left for one to discover.
The ritual use of the hand is laden with symbolism, and consequently a divine offering to the student who wishes to learn and understand.
Understanding the meaning and depth of Hand Mudras
The word mudra translated form Sanskrit means, “seal” “mark” or “gesture”. Hand mudras contain two parts, form and context.
Hand gestures can be of ancient origin, or part of our modern culture. A simple handshake, crossing our fingers, giving someone a “thumbs up”, or blowing a kiss are ways we communicate without words. Where these gestures first came from is perhaps a mystery, but these non-verbal acts have meaning we understand. Our hands are the bearers of these important symbols. Hand gestures encourage us to think deeply about possible meanings. For example, Chin Mudra is formed by gently placing the tip of the index finger under the tip of the thumb, while keeping the other three fingers extended. The pressure of your fingers should be very light, and your hands are relaxed. Once the form is made, you can contemplate the context if you would like. The thumb is symbolic of universal consciousness (divine). The index finger is symbolic of individual consciousness (human). When the finger and the thumb connect there is a union. It is symbolic as well as energetic. When meditating using chin mudra, the intent could be personal. The finite part of ourselves connecting with the infinite self, or in a broader sense, our humaness longs to connect with the cosmic consciousness.
Mudra can be practiced any time anywhere, and may be easy or difficult depending on the flexibility of the hands. Our hands can hold a lot of tension, which can also correspond with tension in the body. Over time and with practice the hands will become stronger and more flexible. Always remember mudra are healing and holy gestures, so treat your fingers with love and care. These gestures can be used in meditation, pranayama (breath work), and asana (yoga postures). Mudra brings to mind how connected we are to each other, and to the practice. (gobodhiyoga.com)
want to Learn More
Of course, there is a lot of information on the internet. Some needs to be taken with a grain of salt, but if you are willing to sort through it all you can began to find some common threads of knowledge. Here are some references I have found helpful:
Gertrud, Hirschi. MUDRAS: Yoga in your Hands. Samuel Weiser, Inc. 2000
Cain, Carroll. Mudras of YOGA. Singing Dragon; Crds edition. October 31, 2013
Cain, Carroll. Mudras of India: A comprehensive guide to the Hand Gestures of Yoga and Indian Dance. Singing Dragon; 1st edition. July 1, 2013
I love working with hand mudras and the centering, focus and connection they can bring to the practice. Give it a try, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Namaste, Holly
