List of mudras (yoga)
This is a list of Yoga mudras. In yoga, mudrās are used in conjunction with pranayama (yogic breathing exercises), generally while seated in Padmasana, Sukhasana or Vajrasana pose, to stimulate different parts of the body and mind, and to affect the flow of prana in the body.
Hasta (hand mudras)
Hasta mudras are conducive for meditation, and help in internalisation.
| Name in Sanskrit | Translation(s) in English | Other Meanings | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anjali Mudra | Gesture of reverence | Offering; Prayer | Palms touching, fingers pointing upward. May be placed in front of the sternum, the forehead, or overhead. |
| Dhyana Mudra | Psychic gesture of meditation | ||
| Vāyu Mudra | Psychic gesture of air | ||
| Shunya Mudra | Psychic gesture of void or empty | ||
| Prithvi Mudra | Psychic gesture of earth | ||
| Varuna Mudra | Psychic gesture of Rain | ||
| Shakti Mudra | Psychic gesture of power | ||
| Hakini Mudra | Hand-steepling or finger-tenting: joining matching fingertips of right and left hands[1] | ||
| Apāna Mudra | Psychic gesture of life force | ||
| Gyana Mudra | Psychic gesture of knowledge | ||
| Chin Mudra | Psychic gesture of consciousness | Tip of thumb and index finger touching. Middle, ring and little finger extended. | |
| Chinmya Mudra | |||
| Yoni Mudra | Attitude of the womb or source | ||
| Bhairav Mudra | Fierce or terrifying attitude | ||
| Hridaya Mudra | Heart gesture | ||
| Vishnu Mudra | Hand gesture of Lord Vishnu | Thumb, ring and little finger extended. Index and middle finger touching pad of thumb. |
Māna (head mudras)
Māna mudras are an important part of Kundalini yoga, and many are important meditation techniques in their own right.
| Name in Sanskrit | Translation(s) in English | Other Meanings | Illustration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shambhavi Mudra | Eyebrow centre gazing with eyes half-open | ||
| Nasikagra Drishti | Nosetip gazing | ||
| Khechari Mudra | Tongue lock | ||
| Kaki mudra | The crow's beak | ||
| Bhujangini Mudra | Cobra respiration | ||
| Bhoochari Mudra | Gazing into nothingness | ||
| Akashi mudra | Awareness of inner space | ||
| Shanmukhi mudra | Closing the seven gates | ||
| Unmani Mudra | The attitude of mindlessness |
Kaya (postural mudras)
Kaya mudras combine physical postures with breathing and concentration.
| Name in Sanskrit | Translation(s) in English | Other Meanings | Illustration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prana Mudra | Energy (breath) seal | ||
| Vipareeta Karani Mudra | Inverted seal | ||
| Yoga Mudra | Union mudra | ||
| Pashinee Mudra | Folded mudra | ||
| Manduki Mudra | Gesture of the frog | ||
| Tadagi Mudra | Barrelled abdomen technique |
Bandha (lock mudras)
Bandha mudras are a type of mudra performed on the three diaphragms (respiratory, vocal, and pelvic). They are used in conjunction with holding the breath (kumbhaka) during pranayama.
| Name in Sanskrit | Translation(s) in English | Other Meanings | Illustration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maha Mudra | Great mudra | ||
| Uddiyana Bandha | Upward flying lock | ||
| Mula Bandha | Root lock | ||
| Jalandhara Bandha | Throat lock, waterholder lock, net lock |
Adhara (perineal mudras)
Adhara mudras are performed on the pelvic floor area and often relate to harnessing sexual energy.
| Name in Sanskrit | Translation(s) in English | Other Meanings | Illustration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashwini Mudra | Horse gesture | ||
| Vajroli/Sahajoli Mudra | Thunderbolt/Spontaneous mudra | ||
| Maha Bheda Mudra | The great separating mudra | ||
| Maha Vedha Mudra | The great piercing mudra |
See also
- List of mudras (dance)
- List of gestures
- List of Adavus
References
- ↑ "Hakini Mudra for Brain Power". Retrieved 19 March 2016.
Further reading
- Saraswati, Swami Satyananda. Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha. Bihar Yoga Bharati, Munger, Bihar India. ISBN 978-81-86336-14-4.
- Padadhirasana
External links
