Mudra

The Sanskrit word mudra is translated as 'gesture' or 'attitude'. Mudras can be described as psychic, emotional, devotional and aesthetic gestures or attitudes. Yogis have experienced mudras as attitudes of energy flow, intended to link individual pranic force with universal or cosmic force."

Mudra is also defined as a 'seal', 'short-cut' or 'circuit by-pass'. Mudras are a combination of subtle physical movements which alter mood, attitude and perception, and which deepen awareness and concentration. A mudra may involve the whole body in a combination of asana, pranayama, bandha and visualisation techniques or it may be a simple hand position.

Mudras are introduced after some proficiency has been attained in asana, pranayama and bandha, and gross blockages have been removed. Practical instruction from a guru was always considered to be a necessary requisite before attempting them. Mudras are higher practices which lead to awakening of the PRANAS, CHAKRAS and KUNDALINI, and which can bestow major siddhis, psychic powers, on the advanced practitioner.

Five groups of yoga mudras

The yoga mudras can be categorised into approximately five groups which are described as follows:

1. Hasta, hand mudras: The hand mudras presented are meditative mudras. They redirect the prana being emitted by the hands back into the body. Mudras which

join the thumb and index finger engage the motor cortex at a very subtle level, generating a loop of energy which

moves from the brain down the hand and then back again. Conscious awareness of this process rapidly leads to internalisation. Postures included in this category are:

Jnana mudra

Chin mudra

Yoni mudra

Bhairava mudra

Hridaya mudra.

2. Mana, head mudras: These practices form an integral part of kundalini yoga and many are meditation techniques in their own right. They utilise the eyes, ears, nose, tongue and lips. Techniques included in this category: Shambhavi mudra Nasikagra drishti Khechari mudra Kaki mudra Bhujangini mudra Bhoochari mudra Akashi mudra Shanmukhi mudra Unmani mudra.

3. Kaya, postural mudras: These practices utilise physical postures combined with breathing and concentration. Techniques included in this category: Prana mudra Vipareeta karani mudra Yoga mudra Pashinee mudra Manduki mudra Tadagi mudra. 4. Bandha, lock mudras: These practices combine mudra and bandha. They charge the system with prana and prepare it for kundalini awakening. Techniques included in this category: Maha mudra Maha bheda mudra Maha vedha mudra.

5. Adhara, perineal mudras: These techniques redirect prana from the lower centres to the brain. Mudras concerned with sublimating sexual energy are in this group. Techniques included in this category: Ashwini mudra Vajroli/sahajoli mudra.