Same, Same, BUT Different. If you traveled to Asia you may have heard this expression.

Here we explore three mudras that may look the same but are all entirely different.  A mudra is an energy seal; a symbolic gesture or bodily posture that allows us to control the flow of our energy (prana). You may remember seeing this flipping through the pages of a yoga magazine but did you ever ask yourself “what is the significance or purpose when the index and the thumb is pressing together”. It is important to know the significance of the mudra and why you are are creating this energy seal or lock.  When I attended my yoga teacher training we were always taught NEVER to create a mudra unless you know the meaning of it.  As you begin to learn about each mudra you begin to understand why it is important to know the significance.

These hand (hasta) gestures (mudras) can be used in meditation and if practiced regularly can aid to healing.

1. Gyan Mudra – Touch the tip of your thumb with the tip of your index finger (on both hands) and keep the remaining fingers straight (not pointing up or down).

Gyan Mudra

• known as the mudra of knowledge
• sharpens memory
• increases concentration
• practiced in the p.m. helps relieve tension and improves restful sleep
• relieves anger, irritation & depression, practiced daily
• the tip of the thumb has pituitary & endocrine centers, when pressed the two glands work actively

2. Chin Mudra- two ways for this mudra -touch the tip (nail) of your index with the first joint of your thumb, this is where the finger joins the hand (active giving position) palms face down or touch the tip of your index with the tip of your thumb (passive receiving position), similar to Gyan & Jana mudra but flip the hand over, palms face down.

Chin Mudra - Passive Receiving

• known as the mudra of consciousness (thumb represents the supreme, index finger the individual; individual consciousness becomes one with the cosmic consciousness – goal of yoga)
• the three extended fingers represent the three gunas (tamas or lethargy, rajas or activity & sattwa or balanced harmony)
• when hands are placed on knees this forms a pranic circuit through the knees redirecting energy back into the body (when index is touching tip of thumb) and redirects energy outwards when the index is pressing into the first knuckle on the thumb.
• resting hands on knees also stimulates a nadi (channel) in the knees, running all the way along the inner thigh,  which then stimulates the root chakra

3.  Jana Mudra- touch the tip of your index finger with the tip of your thumb, palms facing up and fingers pointing upwards.

• symbolizes the wisdom of God
• a spiritual mudra, represents devotion of the human being to divine wisdom and its recognition (hands held at heart level)
• helps clear the mind
• promotes memory and concentration
• may be practice with the right hand while the left hand is in another mudra
  

  Jana Mudra

As you can see here the hand gestures may look the same but only when studied and practiced one will gain the knowledge to understand the difference.  Read carefully a few times to fully understand.   Be sure to do your own research.  The mudras can be practiced daily and for any amount of time with meditation.

I hope this reading has allowed you to find a deeper connection with your practice.

Namaste~

We will be using these mudras to connect deeper to our purpose on our yoga adventure to Honduras & Guatemala in July…contact me if you would like to travel on this journey with us!