Mantras & Mudras
(This is an excerpt from a University Of Metaphysical Sciences course at www.umsonline.org,
please feel free to visit the school website)
Introduction
Definition Of A Mantra
Various Perspectives On Mantras
How To Start Using Mantras
Pronunciation Of The Mantras
Common Mantras
The Power Of Chanting Om
Mudras: Self Healing In Our Own Hands
History Of Mudras
The Science Of Mudras
The Hands & What They Mean In Mudras
The Mudras & What They Can Do For You
Develop Your Ability To Meditate
Seeking Guidance
Become Gentler
Evoking Inner Strength
Facing Fear
Divine Worship
Mudra For Self Confidence
Mudra For Traquility
Conclusion
Written by Christine Breese D.D., Ph.D. (Mantras)
&
Joe Shermis (Mudras)
Introduction
Mantras are a phrase or word that is repeated over and over again during meditation. They are meant to assist the user in reaching a higher state of consciousness, especially as relates to the particular mantra being used. It is a very widely used technique, especially in Tibetan, Sufi, Hindu and Orthodox Christian traditions. Sogyal Rinpoche said in the book The Tibetan Book Of Living And Dying, "Mantra is the essence of sound and the embodiment of the truth in the form of sound. Each syllable is impregnated with spiritual power, condenses a spiritual truth and vibrates with the blessing of the speech of the Buddhas… So when you chant a mantra you are charging your breath and energy with the energy of the mantra…"
The chanting of a mantra is believed to cleanse the negativity in the person chanting it. It is considered "yoga for the mind." It also brings blessing to the chanter. It is also believed that sound waves travel from the person's mouth and invoke powerful and particular cosmic forces, much the way a magic word like "abracadabra" did in fairy tales. The Sanskrit alphabet is believed to carry special properties in each of its fifty letters. In Tibetan Buddhism, certain sounds are believed to call particular deities to you. The word mantra comes from the Sanskrit "mantrana," meaning advice or suggestion. A mantra suggests to the mind the meanings in the phrase and the mind responds to its interpretation of that meaning. Mantras that were used by followers of particular gurus were called mahamantras (great mantras) because it was believed that the mantra held an especially potent power to influence the mind of the user.
Mantras are used in almost all religious practices to some extent or another, even though they may not be called by that word. For instance, the repeated Hail Mary or Our Father prayers that are spoken in Catholic practices are mantras, in a way. The repeated "Praise the Father" in Christian traditions where the priest reads and the audience answers are like mantras, focusing the minds of those present on that which is divine.
Some schools of thought believe that there is no inherent value or power in the sound itself, but in the tendency of the mind to calm down because of the repetition of the sound. Therefore, one could make any sound, use any phrase, or use any word and still derive the benefits of a mantra meditation. The most basic mantra is a single word or syllable repeated over and over, like the word "Om." Other mantras are in the form of a prayer and can be quite lengthy.
A mantra could be used out loud or silently in the mind. The idea is to give the mind something to do while the deeper consciousness begins to operate on its own track in centeredness. Therefore, you are able to carry two tracks of consciousness at once, the observer and the observed. At first the consciousness may be focused on the mantra, but eventually the mantra falls away and the consciousness is what is left, silent, steady, and unwavering in its focus. The mind is repeating the mantra in an "automatic-pilot" fashion, and the consciousness is free of the human mind. Eventually, the human mind becomes so quiet that it does not even need to repeat the mantra anymore in order to remain still. It simply "falls asleep" and remains inert while the deepest consciousness comes to the surface.
Definition Of A Mantra
Yogananda, in Autobiography Of A Yogi (1971), defines mantra as a "potent vibratory chant." He further stated, "The literal translation of Sanskrit mantra is 'instrument of thought.' It signifies 'the ideal, inaudible sounds which represent one aspect of creation; when vocalized as syllables, a mantra constitutes a universal terminology.' (Webster's New International Dictionary, 2nd ed.) The infinite powers of sound are derived from Aum, the 'Word' or creative hum of the Cosmic Motor." (Yogananda, 470 footnote)
In describing the significance of mantra japa [japa means repetition], Yogananda explained, "The potencies of sound and of vach, the human voice, have nowhere else been so profoundly investigated as in India. The Aum vibration that reverberates throughout the universe (the 'Word' or 'voice of many waters' of the Bible) has three manifestations or gunas, those of creation, preservation, and destruction (Taittiriya Upanishad I:8). Each time a man utters a word he puts into operation one of the three qualities of Aum. This is the lawful reason behind the injunction of all scriptures that man should speak the truth." (Yogananda, 20 footnote)
"The ancient rishis discovered these laws of sound alliance between nature and man. Because nature is an objectification of Aum, the Primal Sound or Vibratory Word, man can obtain control over all natural manifestations through the use of certain mantras or chants." (Yogananda, 163)
"...The Puranas (ancient shastras or treatises) describe these mantric wars between devas and asuras (gods and demons). An asura once tried to slay a deva with a potent chant. Because of the mispronunciation the mental bomb acted as a boomerang and killed the demon." (Yogananda, 418 [footnote])
At http://education.yahoo.com/reference/encyclopedia/entry?id=47744, the description of transcendental meditation is as follows: It is a "religious movement based on Vedanta philosophy, founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Stressing natural meditation and the liberating pleasures such practices could invoke, the method is believed to help individuals achieve a higher level of consciousness. Brought by Maharishi from India to the West in 1959, transcendental meditation was a distinct subculture within the 1960s youth movement, attracting actress Mia Farrow, cultural philosopher Marshall McLuhan, and the Beatles, who eventually rejected the Yogi's teachings."
Various Perspectives On Mantras
Sogyal Rinpoche, as quoted by Sainte Croix, explained the significance of mantras by saying, "Each syllable is impregnated with spiritual power. Each condenses a spiritual truth and vibrates with a blessing. When you chant a mantra, you are charging your breath and energy with the energy of that mantra
Sainte Croix provides a few simple exercises for chanting mantras. The first exercise consists of chanting "Om Mani Padme Hum (pronounced 'om mah nee pahd may hum')." It is a Buddhist mantra used to enhance a person's compassion.
So as Sainte Croix instructs:
- Sit in a comfortable position. Close your eyes. Center and focus your attention by breathing slowly. Inhale and exhale from your nostrils several times.
- Begin repeating the mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum. Use the lowest register of your voice. Continue repeating this mantra for five minutes.
- Sit in silence. Notice the calming effects of the chanting. (Sainte Croix, 2002:17)
Transcendental Meditation, a very famous technique taught by the Ramana Maharishi University in India, and made well-known during the 60's at many centers around the USA, revolves around the practice of using mantras to still the mind. In this system, the mantra must be "given" to the user.
"According to Ramana Maharishi, repetition of mantras (japa), with attention directed to the source of the sound, completely engages the mind. This is Tapas (penance). The source is not in the vocal chords alone, but also the idea of sound is in the mind, whose source is self. Thus the practice of mantra repetition is more than a suggestion, a bit of advice or an idea. It is a means of getting in touch with our self. (http://www.sanatansociety.org/indian_music_and_mantras/sounds_of_tantra_mantras.htm)
According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantra, a mantra is a "religious syllable or poem, typically from the Sanskrit language… They are primarily used as spiritual conduits, words and vibrations that instill one-pointed concentration in the devotee. Other purposes have included religious ceremonies to accumulate wealth, avoid danger, or eliminate enemies. Mantras originated in India with Vedic Hinduism and were later adopted by Buddhists and Jains, now popular in various modern forms of spiritual practice which are loosely based on practices of these Eastern religions.
"The word mantra is a Sanskrit word consisting of the root man "manas or mind" and the suffix tra meaning, tool, hence a literal translation would be "mind tool". Mantras are interpreted to be effective as sound (vibration), to the effect that great emphasis is put on correct pronunciation (resulting in an early development of a science of phonetics in India). They are intended to deliver the mind from illusion and material inclinations. Chanting is the process of repeating a mantra."
Some believe that a mantra that is not handed down from a guru or yogi is not useful in any way, and that a mantra must be given to a person for it to have any true power. This of course is strict and rather unavailable to those who would like to try using a mantra, so I personally don't subscribe to this belief. However, perhaps there is power in mantras that have been used for millennia just because they have been used for so long and are ingrained in the mass consciousness mind of humanity from the sheer amount of use. Joseph Chilton Pearce says in his book Spiritual Initiation And The Breakthrough Of Consciousness (2003), "A true mantra is "charged," alive, because it has been handed down for centuries, and it has been handed down because it *is* alive. A certain archetypal energy might result from ages of use: the passion, intensity, and will of millennia of Yogis might in itself create a subtle energy connected with the mantra. Perhaps all that subtle power gets enfolded in the name and unfolds for us in our practice. At any rate, true mantras are of consciousness, not of surface thought and semantic fabrications."
Mantras affect both the person reciting them and the person hearing them, thus when chanting mantras in a group one gets a "double whammy." Primarily, it is faith that creates the effect of the mantra being used.
Melody, intonation, pronunciation, intention, belief, all of these are important in the effects of mantras. A fast recitation increases the speed of the mind, the heartbeat and the respiration. A fast speed can create a high vibration. In groups, fast recitation is especially powerful. A fast recitation gives the mind no room to reflect or fantasize about the mantra either. It exhausts the mind and relaxation can be deep once the recitation is over.
In turn, slowing down the mantra recitation slows down the speed of the mind, the heart and the respiration. It can produce a trancelike, hypnagogic state (the state right before sleep when images begin to appear in the mind)
A medium speed can be quite useful as the heart and the breathing are not disturbed and the mind remains awake and alert, and doesn't go too deep so as to "fall asleep."
The place from where the mantra emanates is important as well. Deep tones, based in the abdominal region, are mesmerizing. Middletones from the chest, heart and through regions create balance in the emotions. High toned in conjunction with the head and top of the head are useful in moving blockages in the body and spirit. Classical Eastern Indian music used all three regions in order to cover all possibilities.
The practice of the transcendental meditation technique utilizes mantra meditation. Mantra, literally translated "mind tool," is a spiritually charged phrase that makes the mind still. There are various mantras from various traditions such as Ganesh mantra, om mani padme hum, and many others. Saint Croix and Ramana Maharishi are experts in the practice of chanting mantra.
How To Start Using Mantras
Pick an area of your life you would like to improve, or a problem that has seemed unsolvable up to now. Then pick a mantra which will most appropriately assist with the problem or facilitate the change you would like to make. Ask God to assist you in your objective in changing or solving a problem. Decide on a place to recite your mantra and a time every day to practice it. The best time to recite your mantra, according to a traditional approach, is 4 AM (Brahmamahurta). Other good times to chant are transition periods of a day, when night is turning into day, and vice versa (dawn and sunrise). You can also recite before going to bed so your mind is harnessed before sleeping.
You might want to use a rosary or mala (a string of rosewood beads that is the Eastern Indian version of a rosary), to help you keep count. A rosary has 108 beads, and malas can have any number depending on how long they are. Some malas have 108 beads, and some have 1008, with "meru" beads along the strand. These are the larger beads, "head" beads that separate series and sections of the mala. You might even think about creating a beaded necklace for the practice of mantras, which adds a special sacredness to your spiritual tool. Your rosary or mala should not be visible to other people as you use it. Typically, a cloth is used to cover the hand as you roll the beads between the thumb and middle finger. The "head" of the rosary or mala should not be crossed and the beads must revert to the "head of the string after completing a series.
You can also simply decide on a certain amount of time to recite your mantra and not worry about keeping count, perhaps ten or twenty minutes, even an hour. For your first experience, keep it short. Ten or fifteen minutes is a good amount to start with. You will still create a powerful change in your life if you do this for only 40 days (the amount of time that it takes to change a habit or create a manifestation, according to some schools of thought.)
Don't be surprised if reciting the mantra begins to bring you some trouble. The first few days will most likely go smoothly, but then are you get further into it, there will be resistance from your mind as pertains to the practice of your mantra. This means that you are beginning to affect the inner mechanism that needs to shift in order for the problem to be solved or the change to take place. The inner resistance will manifest as outer obstacles, like emergencies during the time you are supposed to be practicing, oversleeping, lack of enthusiasm, a cold, sudden obligations, restlessness, and so on. However, push through it and keep working on your practice. Small upheavals in your life are good signs that what you are doing is working at changing the inner mechanisms which are producing the unwanted reality that you are trying to change.
If you can carry on through the resistance, it is not unusual that by day 33 or so of a 40 day commitment (sadhana) something drastically changes and your objective becomes manifest.
Pronunciation Of The Mantras
Sabrina Mesko offers the following advice on pronouncing mantra sounds in her book Healing Mudras: Yoga For Your Hands (2000):
| A AA Ay AI I U OO O E EE AAU SAT NAM WAHE GU |
like the a in about like the a in want like the ay in Say like the a in sand like the I in bit like the u in put like the oo in good like the o in no like the ay in say like the e in meet like the ow in now rhymes with "what" rhymes with "mom" sounds like wa-hay sounds like "put" |
| Pronounce the consonant v softly Roll the r's a little bit. |
|
Common Mantras
Amen. Shalom. Peace.
Om, or Aum, believed to be the first sound of the universe, perhaps the first word God spoke in the beginning. According to http://www.experiencefestival.com/mantras chanting Om in a whisper correctly for twenty minutes relaxes every atom in and of every cell of your body.
Ek Ong Kar (One Creator, God Is One)
Sa Ta Na Ma (Infinity, Birth, Death, Rebirth)
So ham. (represents the sound of breath. So: inhale, ham: exhale
Om ah hum vajra guru padma siddhi hum (or) Om ah hung bedzar guru pema siddhi hung.
(These are two versions of Padmasambhave, the mantra of all buddhas, masters and realized beings. The first is from Tibet, the second is Sanskrit. The translation is "I invoke you the Vajra Gura, Padmasambhave, by your blessing, may you grant us supreme blessings.)
Har Hare Haree Wahe Guru (God Is The Creator Of Supreme Power And Wisdom; pronounced hah-rah, hah-ray, hah-ree, wa-hay, guh-roo)
Akal, Maha Kal means "Undying, Great death" and is a powerful life-giving chant removing fear and relaxing the mind.
Om mani padme hung sarva shanting kuruye soha. ("O Buddha of compassion and wisdom, may all these sicknesses be pacified.")
Om namah shivaya (to correct imbalance of consciousness, Hindu source)
Shri ram jay ram (Refers to king Rama who was believed to be in resonance with the Divine Will, Hindu source)
Ap Sahaee Hoa Sache Da Sache Dhoa, Har, Har, Har means "The Lord Himself has become our protector, the Truest of True has taken care of us, God, God, God", or "The Lord Himself is my refuge, true is the support of the True Lord". Chanted for prosperity.
Dharti Hai, Akash Hai, Guru Ram Das Hai. Dharti means "earth" and Akash is Ether, and Guru Ram Das is the venerated 4th Sikh Guru. This is the 1st Sodhung Mantra.
Ong means Creator - the Primal Vibration from which all creativity flows.
Sat Nam is the Seed Mantra or Bij Mantra and it is the most widely used in the practice of Kundalini Yoga. Sat means the Truth; Nam means to call upon, name or identify with. Sat Nam means Truth is my identity and I call upon the eternal Truth that resides in all of us. Chanting this mantra awakens the Soul, and more simply means "really". It is pronounced to rhyme with "But Mom!"
Ek Ong Kar, Sat Gur Prasad, Sat Gur Prasad, Ek Ong Kar, is the Magic Mantra so named for its power and sacredness. It is usually chanted in reverse (Ek Ong Kar, Sat Gur Prasad, Sat Gur Prasad, Ek Ong Kar). Many pages are devoted to the explanation of this mantra and we are warned to chant it in reverence. It means, "There is one Creator - Truth revealed through Guru's grace".
Har means Creative Infinity, a name of God.
Hara is another form.
Hari is the active form of Creation.
Hari Nam, Sat Nam, Hari Nam, Hari.
Hari Nam, Sat Nam, Sat Nam, Hari. The name of God is the True Name.
Gatay, gatay, paragatay. Parasamgatay, bodhi svaha (The heart sutra, Buddhist.)
Om swasti jampal yang sog kun gye pai lam. (You radiate as manifestations of profound and vast dharma," Tibetan Buddist.)
Om mani padme hum. (mantra of compassion, Hindu)
A very common mantra is formed by taking a deity's name. Called Namajapa and saluting it in such a manner: "Aum namah" or "Aum Jai (Hail!). An example you might be familiar with is "Aum namah Shivaya" (Aum I bow to Lord Shiva). Any god or goddess' name can be inserted in order to draw upon the energy that the god or goddess represents. Another example would be "Om Namaha Ganesha" if you would like to draw on the energy of the God of Removing Obstacles.
Alleluia! Adoramus te Domine. (Used in France by Taize monks. Christian, Latin source)
Maranantha (In Aramaic, "Come to Lord, Come to Jesus," Christian.
Let go, Let God. (Alcoholics Anonymous)
Our Father (Catholic)
Hail Mary (Catholic)
Peace Be With Us
The Power Of Chanting Om
- The chanting of Om drives away all worldly thoughts and removes distraction and infuses new vigour in the body.
- When you feel depressed, chant Om fifty times and you will be filled with new vigour and strength. The chanting of Om is a powerful tonic. When you chant Om, you feel you are the pure, all pervading light and consciousness.
- Those who chant Om will have a powerful, sweet voice. Whenever you take a stroll, you can chant Om. You can also sing Om in a beautiful way. The rythmic pronunciation of Om makes the mind serene and pointed, and infuses the spiritual qualifications which ensure self-realization.
- Those who do meditation of Om daily will get tremendous power. They will have lustre in their eyes and faces.
Mudras: Self Healing In Our Own Hands
Written by Joseph Shermis
To pursue a path of peace and spiritual growth, one first must find the peace and inner strength that lies within one's body and spirit. The techniques of Mudras, the ancient art that is yoga for the hands, are picture tools that identify the deeper meanings of pursuing such a path.
A mudra is a bodily posture or symbolic gesture. In any and all pictures and statues of Buddha, Jesus, Mahavir, Shiva, and any spiritual icon are shown with the hands and fingers curled in a specific posture. Portrayals of Moses show him using the mudras that symbolize blessing, divine protection, knowledge, and receiving guidance from the divine.
Yoga is an ancient art and systematic science. Its purpose is to facilitate the union of one's will with God's will. The central teaching of yoga is that man's true nature is divine, perfect, and infinite. Yoga is a scientific method for making man realize his true nature, and for reuniting the individual soul with the Universal Spirit, thus bringing discipline into one's life. The yoga for the hands, mudras, allows the practitioner to communicate specific intent within this context. Like Yoga, they align the spirit with that intent, but unlike yoga, mudras can be practiced anywhere at anytime, and can even be incorporated into one's own lexicon of communication actions to bring spiritual dimension to one's life.
Mudras are hand gestures that impart the expression of thought and emotion. The hand postures of the mudras are designed to re-channel breath and energy into various areas of the physical body, energy body, and mental body. Such finger postures not only have a therapeutic effect on the mind-body system but also accentuate mental keenness and acuity.
The purpose of mudras is to actualize certain inner states so that they can anticipate their physical expression. The intent the hand positions symbolize allows the practitioner to bring their visualization into a physical manifestation. The manifestation assists the practitioner in bringing about a connection between the practitioner and the energy, entity or deity visualized in a given practice. In Buddhism the mudras accompany the performance of liturgies and the recitation of mantras. They also help to actualize certain inner states in that they anticipate their physical expression.
Use your mudra hand to show expression of your thoughts and feelings. Yoga mudra is excellent physical healing for your hands and is also an art. The self healing of the mudra hand posture is a kind of holistic healing. The Buddha mudra can be seen in many Buddha images and statues. The Buddha hand gesture goes best with the Buddha mantra while in sitting meditation.
History Of Mudras
Mudras are historically an important part of the Hindu tradition of worship. As the practice evolved, it became one of the six principle iconographic themes in Buddhism, particularly in esoteric Buddhism. The other principle thematic elements are mandalas, asanas, thrones, aureoles, and implements and accessories of the deities. In Buddhist iconography every Buddha is depicted with a characteristic gesture of the hands. Such gestures correspond to natural gestures (of teaching, protecting, and so on) and also to certain aspects of the Buddhist teaching or of the particular Buddha depicted.
Mudra is a Sanskrit word, a language with its origins from India. Beyond that, the origins of the word mudra are uncertain, as is the precise evolution of its meaning. At a very early period in the post-Vedic literature of India the term mudra designated the idea of a seal or the imprint left by a seal. Somewhat later usage takes on the meaning of "way of holding the fingers," designating a precise ritualistic gesture. The Pali word for mudra, muddika, derives from mudda, meaning authority. The inter-relationship of these meanings imply gestures that enhance and authenticate the spoken word with mystic and magical values. The gesture is a sign, a ritual seal that implies authenticity. As Buddhism spread to China a further usage of the term came to identify mudras as "marks of identity" of the specific deity being personified.
The language surrounding the evolution of this Yogic tradition, called Mudra Vigyan, had evolved to connect the practitioner's divine and cosmic energies. In time they became a key part of the facilitation of divine communication in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Their ritualistic use developed as companion actions for the chanting of mantras. The symbolic meanings were developed further by Buddhist priests to close prayer rituals—a practice still carried on to this day.
The earliest representations of the Buddha in human form did not appear until approximately the second century of the Common Era. At that time, the mudras of the first Buddhist statues in India had no precise iconographic meaning. The few symbolic gestures that initially were employed developed over time, acquiring a more specific nomenclature and a more exact iconographic significance. The mid-7th Century C.E. Mahavairocana-sutra makes note of over 130 separate mudras: 31 for the Great Buddhas, 57 for the great deities, and 45 for others.
The spread of Buddhism throughout Asia naturally imposed on the mudra considerable modifications of form and of meaning. These became more and more apparent as mudras moved further from the country of their origin. The purpose of the mudra remained the same, to indicate to the faithful in a simple way the nature and function of the deities represented. In viewing any Buddhist representational art it is important to keep in mind that there will likely be variations in the exact form or position in the elements of any given mudra, depending on the historical and cultural context of the artifact's creation.
The symbolic hand gestures called mudras are of two general types. First, the most ancient form of mudras, dating from pre-Buddhist times, are those presented with the purpose of being symbolic signs of the metaphysical aspect of Esoteric ceremonies. Mudras used in this sense are of significant importance in the rites of Tibetan Tantrism, Chinese Chen-yen and Japanese Shingon Buddhism. This, of course, is within the larger context of Tantric meditation where the Three Mysteries, or the forces of the spirit, speech, and the body are directed at the one and only goal: enlightenment.
The alphabet of the hand, as mudras are, form a complete vocabulary of more than 500 words which most commonly occur in a dance story and which describe concrete objects, or express an emotional situation or relate an incident in simple words. For example, Christ's image normally shows the hand pointing to the cave of the heart. Likewise, one of the popular images of Lord Buddha show's the fingers of the left hand holding a pot of nectar, while palm of the right hand is resting on the lap, with fingers folded and pointing straight down. Another image shows the fingers of the right hand near the chest region and folded in a specific pose. In Italian paintings from both before and after the Renaissance era, the Christian figures are typically shown with a connected thumb and index finger. The hand posture symbolized the ego—the index finger—bowing to God, the thumb in love and unity. This mudra is, interestingly, the same as the A-Ok sign common in America.
Another common hand posture in Christian paintings is that of the palm turned upward. This is to symbolize openness and inquiry, and is evolved from the mudra that signifies the asking of guidance.
While there are a large number of esoteric mudras, over time Buddhist art has retained only five of them for the representations of the Buddha. Images of the Buddha which exhibit mudras other than these are extremely rare. The significance of these mudras can be gauged from the fact that each of the five transcendental (Dhyani) Buddhas is assigned one of these mudras, and they are invariably depicted in visual arts with this particular mudra only.
Mudra Vigyan in Buddhist iconography can be seen in the symbolic gesture of Tibetan Tantra, Chen Yen, Shingon, and other Buddhist and Hindu traditions and art. Muddika iconographic meaning can further be explored in the Mahavairocana Sutra.
The Science Of Mudras
The physical body is made up of five elements, namely: Air, Water, Fire, Earth and Aakash (ether is considered the tiny intercellular spaces in the human body). Imbalance of these elements disrupts the immunity system and causes disease. Deficiencies in any of these elements can be balanced by connecting one part of the body with another in a particular manner through Mudras.
The application of this yogic science can help you to address and cure bodily ailments with intentional self-healing. The intentional addressing of these imbalances allow the human system to bring these elements to their optimal levels. The elements can even be increased or decreased to cure appropriate ailments. When the elements are completely balanced, the yoga (unison) of mind, body and soul with the Supreme Soul can be achieved. Through the effort made to achieve this mental concentration, the practitioner strives for joy by purifying the mind. In modern times as well as ancient, this enabled the practitioner to cure many mental aliments and addictive behaviors.
There are innumerable mudras and each has a specific healing effect. In these postures the thumb represents fire; the index finger air; middle, the askash; the ring finger, earth; and the pinky finger, water. When a finger representing an element is brought into contact with the thumb, that element is brought into balance. This starts electromagnetic currents within the body which balance various constituting elements and restore health. The joining of fingers creates an effect on the human body.
The practice of these yogic techniques allows one to be in touch with their own chakras. The chakras are the connecting points the body has to infinite energy. Their energies spin clockwise within our bodies and influence our emotional, spiritual, and physical health.
The first chakra, the root chakra, represents the striving for survival, food and shelter, courage and will. It provides a foundation for attaining life's basic needs. It is located at the base of the spine, and is connected with the gonads. Its corresponding color is red.
The second chakra is located at the sex organs, and represents the individual's sexual being. It controls the adrenal glands, and is related to an individual's creativity and inspiration, procreation and family. Its corresponding color is orange.
The third chakra, the power chakra, is located in the solar plexus and influences the ego and emotional and intellectual centers, and is related to the functioning of the mind. It is connected to the pancreas, and its corresponding color is yellow.
The fourth chakra is the heart chakra. It is the center for unconditional love, and represents devotion, faith, and compassion. Its gland is the thymus, and corresponding color is green.
The fifth chakra is the communication chakra, located in the throat area. It represents one's voice, the seeking of truth, and the striving for and sharing of higher knowledge. Its gland is the thyroid, and its corresponding color is blue.
The sixth chakra is the third eye, located in the middle of the forehead. It controls the perceptions of the individual, and represents vision and intuition, enabling the individual to perceive input on many levels. It is connected to the body through the pineal gland. Its corresponding color is indigo.
The seventh chakra is the crown chakra, located at the top of the head. It is one's connection to the universal God consciousness, the heavens, unity, and humility. It is our link to all others. It allows the universe to be connected to us through the pituitary gland. Its corresponding color is violet.
Each fingertip corresponds to one chakra. Near the center of the palm of your hand there are two chakras—one to receive, the other to send love. Hence the word "healing touch," receiving and giving at the same time.
Mudra science of the supreme soul is all within the mudra hand. The healing touch of yoga mudra and yoga science can be used in the Buddha mudra, Anjali mudra, Kechari mudra, and other mudras.
The Hands And What They Mean In Mudras
Both hands have individual characteristics and distinct meanings, as do each of the fingers. The right hand is influenced by the sun and represents the male side of one's nature. It does not matter if the person is male or female. The left hand is influenced by the moon, and represents the female aspect of the practitioner's nature. The right hand is the receiver, while the left hand is the giver of positive energy.
Each finger is represented as the following:
Thumb: God, when fingers connect to thumb this symbolizes a connection to God, love, willpower, logic
Index finger: wisdom, power, self-confidence, knowledge, also, ego
Middle finger: emotions, control of emotions, balance, patience
Ring finger: vitality, life-force, health, surroundings, family, heart matters
Little finger: communication, creativity, beauty, inner calm, royalty of the soul
The Mudras And What They Can Do For You
The practice of Yoga as a healing tool is achieved by using the techniques as forms of meditation and focus. The following are some of the more common mudras, although some schools of thought subscribe to a coffer of 500 possible mudras. These are only a few examples. If you are interested in practicing mudras, search on the internet and check your book store and you will have a plethora of mudras to practice!
Develop Your Ability To Meditate
The challenge for many is the act of being as still as necessary to facilitate the healing of the mudras. This mudra is specifically for developing the discipline to begin to meditate. It is intended to coordinate with all of one's chakras, and is best accompanied by the mantra Sat Nam, which is translated Truth Is God's Name, One in Spirit. Each word is to be repeated mentally with the beat of the pulse. This allows the practitioner an active way to ease into meditation by balancing action and inaction. Thus, it enables one to begin meditating within a context of being mentally active in a way that appropriately limits the busy mind.
Sit with a straight back. With the four fingers of the right hand together, feel the pulse in each fingertip and the wrist. Palms are held together, right palm down and left palm up, laying the heel of the right palm in the left palm. The eyes are closed. Concentrate on the Third Eye center, the chakra in the middle of the forehead. Practice this mudra for three minutes daily for a week, with a goal of preparing self for the stillness of the next level of meditation.
Seeking Guidance
The path to stillness is challenging to find, but a simple reaching out for guidance gives one another beginning point. In this mudra, the practitioner asks for divine guidance to accept the self-healing the Yogic practice offers. The mudra for guidance is connected to the crown chakra at the top of the head. Before beginning, it is important to focus one's energy at that point of the body.
Put your hands together in front of your chest. Press your pinky fingers together with palms arcing toward the sky to form a two handed cup. Leave a small opening between the sides of the little fingers. Focus the eyes at the tip of the nose, toward the palms. Breathe long, deep and slow breaths into your palms. Receive energy in the palms of your hands. Looking into them will send healing power into your mind and help you access divine guidance.
Become Gentler
Sometimes it is difficult to approach meditation and Yoga due to moods or preoccupations with personal problems. When we are reacting to our thoughts without true awareness of the need to be gentle with oneself, we are blocking the flow of the universal love that mudras can help access. Therefore, it is essential that during moments of stress we take care of ourselves with actions that facilitate gentleness. The following mudra is intended to reinforce the self-love that gentle actions bring.
Sit with a straight back. Make fists and bring the outer (pinky) side of each fist to either side of your temples. Press slightly against the temples and part the fingers. Close your eyes. Then make fists again, pressing against the temples. Breath long, deep breaths, all the while reciting the mantra Hari Ong Hari Ong Tat Sat, which translates as God in Action, the Ultimate Truth. Repeat mentally with each breath.
Evoking Inner Strength
The purpose behind the act of yoga is to develop inner strength. The following mudra is one that allows a strengthening of the abilities to meditate. It allows the body to connect with the power chakra through the solar plexus.
Curl your index fingers and curl your thumbs over them. Straighten the other three fingers. Right hand should be slightly under the left hand, middle two finger pads touching the joints of the left hand. Put your hands in front of your chest. The curled finger would be just about the same height as your nipples, and fingers cross right below the breast line. Keep your elbows up and out to the sides so that your forearms and hands make lines parallel to the ground. Inhale through the nose, shape your lips into an O, and exhale with a whistle. Repeat several times and then relax and feel the vitality within you.
Facing Fear
The inner strength of the preceding mudra can be further reinforced by the following mudra, which is specifically for helping one overcome fears. This mudra also connects one through the solar plexus to the strength of universal love through the third power chakra. It also brings the crown and third eye chakras into the equation, connecting the body to the universal flow of extrinsic energy and bringing it within.
Sit with spine straight, bend your left arm at the elbow, and hold your hand slightly in front of you with the palm turned upward in front of your navel, thumb outward. Bend your right arm and hold your hand in front of your right shoulder with the palm turned outward, fingers and thumb straight up toward the sky. Concentrate on the Third Eye. Breathe slowly and deeply. Visualize yourself protected. Inhale positive feelings, exhale fear and let it go.
Divine Worship
This mudra helps you get in touch with God, the Divine Higher Power, and developing respectfulness for the Universal Creator. Realizing that everyone is an expression of this One Self who is having many lives and forms and experiences brings you in touch with what is true and what remains, long after form and experience has passed away into the ethers from where it came. Being in tune with God is the pre-requisite to being in tune with yourself and other, and achieving inner peace.
Relax your mind, your emotions and let go of your human condition for a little while, concentrate on the Third Eye center. Be at peace and put your hands together in front of your chest in the prayer position. Commune with God within yourself and let go of awareness of all outside sounds and distractions. If it helps, simply follow the rhythm of your natural breathing.
Tranquility
| Mudra For Self Confidence | Mudra For Tranquility |
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Conclusion
There are many mudras, each with a specific intent. Each individual mudra brings one's body closer to one's spirit. This act of seeking, in and of itself, brings one closer to the divine. Ultimately, it brings all closer to pesonal life purpose.
The path of conscious self-healing is full of opportunities for discovering the connection between self and the universal life force. It begins with self-love, and continues through the actions of the body. Mudras can be a vital part of that path, involving the hands in a reaching out process. The development of one's inner strength is brought through that reaching, using the information from this course and its sources, to a place inside that allows union with all that is.
The conscious self healing practice of mudras evokes an inner strength of the divine spirit, the universal life force in all sentient creatures. Through this practice of hand yoga, we can nourish the seed of self love that lies within us all and fully realize divine union with the divine spirit.