The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Mudras
The Power of Movement

ORIGINS

Mudras are symbolic gestures and movements that are featured in Hinduism and Buddhism, and also appear in classical Indian dance, meditation, yoga, and tantric practice. Although some mudras involve the entire body, most are performed with the hands. In yoga, mudras are often used in combination with pranayama breathwork (see the breathwork entry in this chapter). The word mudra comes from the Sanskrit mudra, meaning “seal, mystery.”

HISTORY/LORE

During the Vedic period in India (c. 1750—500 B.C.E.), mudras were performed during the chanting of the Vedas, the ancient scriptural texts of Hinduism. When Buddhism emerged in the sixth century B.C.E., the use of mudras was expanded to Buddhist rituals, iconography, and meditation practices. In Indian classical dance, mudras involve hand, arm, and body movements as well as facial expressions. Various Asian martial arts also make use of mudras.

USES

In addition to being interesting and fun, mudras can take your spiritual practice to the next level. By performing these gestures and movements, you can enhance the flow of energy, which can benefit the mind, body, and spirit. One well-known mudra you may already be familiar with is the chin mudra, which is commonly used during seated meditation. While sitting cross-legged or in lotus position, place the hands on the knees palm up and join the tip of the index finger and thumb of each hand. The circle created by the fingers signifies unity and facilitates the flow of energy. There are hundreds of other mudras you can learn about online or by taking classes or workshops in practices such as kundalini yoga (see the yoga entry in this chapter).