IN meditative yoga practices hand position is quite important. There are many sensitive nerve endings accumulated at the tips of our fingers. In energetic terms, powerful currents emanate from them energy. By connecting your fingers in a certain way, energy flows are crossed. And this affects the entire human energy network. Which in turn cannot but affect level of awareness And success in meditation practice.
Chin mudra
Chin Mudra also called wise consciousness. The tips of the thumb and index fingers are connected. We straighten the remaining three fingers, place the hand on the knee, palm up. Don't stress - the hand should be completely relaxed .
They say about this mudra that the thumb symbolizes Absolute, Universal consciousness. The index finger is the soul, individual consciousness. The connection of these fingers - is the unity of the individual with the absolute. The three outstretched fingers are the three qualities of nature: sattva(calm) rajas(activity), tamas(laziness). This mudra symbolizes unification of individual awareness with universal, and separation from the qualities of nature.
This is absolutely universal mudra. It can be practiced by anyone and will contribute to success in any meditation practice.
Chin mudra can also be performed in another way - the tip of the index finger is placed on the base of the thumb, and the tip of the thumb is placed on the second phalanx of the index finger. The fingers are as relaxed as possible. Both of these options for performing the mudra give an identical effect, so the practitioner can choose the option that is most comfortable for him.
Mudras
Many traditions consider human fingers as conductors of energy meridians in the human body. Each part, each phalanx is “responsible,” so to speak, for the behavior of a certain organ of the human body, for its energy structure.
By finding out what impact this or that position of your hands has on you, you can significantly make your life easier and harmonize it. You can act on a whim, but isn’t it better to consciously make adjustments to your own well-being?
Mudras are the positions of the fingers that create energy configurations that affect you in a certain way.
By performing the necessary mudras, you can improve your health and awaken your spiritual powers, but remember - mudras are not a panacea. If you continue to bang your head against the wall, the cast will not save you from another concussion. Develop, improve and take on board the information you need for this.
Meditation begins with sitting, although it is usually thought that meditation begins with relaxation. However, these two conditions should not be confused. Entering a state of relaxation, i.e. relaxation, is rather like crossing the boundary line between the external world full of worries and the internal state that we strive to achieve. Although it is quite common to formally resort to relaxation as a preparatory step for meditation, ultimately this stage should be dispensed with so that meditation can be started directly.
When meditation becomes an integral part of our lives, you will find that it can occur anywhere you go and the meditation posture becomes a matter of taste.
Cross-legged meditation poses are difficult for many Westerners; We are still not used to sitting this way. Of course, you can master these poses if you have chosen them, but this requires daily work on the muscles of the thighs and legs, knee joints and feet. If such classic poses are out of reach for you, know that they can 
There are also other, much simpler poses. In the traditional Japanese kneeling position, a pillow relieves pressure on the heels. This kneeling pose can also be used while sitting on a low bench with a soft seat.
There are some postures traditionally chosen for group meditation, and a common practice has become the "Egyptian pose," which is sitting on a hard chair with the feet firmly planted on the floor. Although no posture is essential in meditation, it is generally accepted that the back should be straight at all times. No matter what position you prefer, you should strive to adopt a stable position that you are able to maintain at all times while still.
Without a doubt, the classical traditions of contemplative practice still favor the lotus position. In this meditation pose, the right foot is placed on top of the left thigh and the left foot is placed on top of the right thigh. However, for most people this pose is difficult to perform. Less complex modifications are possible here, but they also require a certain degree of flexibility, which is also not easy to demonstrate. In the half lotus position, one foot is placed under the opposite thigh and the other foot is placed on top of the other thigh. In the one-quarter lotus position, one foot rests under the opposite thigh and the other foot rests under the other thigh.
Each person is unique; each of us has enormous potential to realize ourselves and our capabilities to achieve everything we want. Through your own experience, living it in its entirety, and not from books or teaching aids, you find yourself, revealing the full strength and power of your potential and capabilities. You can be nobody, you can fit into the framework and parameters set by society, or you can create yourself anew, gain complete independence and freedom from other people’s opinions, judgments and any obligations. The choice is yours. .
Hand position during meditation
In Buddhist teachings, it is common to place the hands at the knees opposite the navel. Palms facing up, left slightly covered by right. The thumbs are positioned horizontally so that their tips lightly touch. Roshi Kapleau reminds us that by placing the right hand on top of the left, we suppress the active pole of the body in order to achieve passive calm. The position of the hands, however, can also change. Geshe Rabten insists on bending the thumbs slightly so that the palms form a triangle. A completely different approach is adopted in yogic teachings, where the hands lie on the knees, forming either chhin mudra (hands facing palms up) or any other. In jnana mudra, the index fingers of both hands are bent so that they touch the inner base of the thumbs. The remaining three fingers remain straight. The hands are placed on the knees, palms facing down, and three straight fingers pointing down towards the feet.
When a person takes a meditation pose, he should feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Thanks to the asana, a person concentrates on the meditative technique and is not distracted by external stimuli. An uncomfortable posture will not only not help you immerse yourself in a meditative state, but will also cause physically unpleasant sensations. For beginners, any sitting asana is best.
While studying at the university, I met a wonderful guy, Alexander. I can’t say that he was the most diligent student, but he didn’t have any special problems with his studies. I sincerely believed that after graduation, Sasha would get a good job, a nice girlfriend, improve his living conditions over time, and in his free time would engage in some kind of hobby (as far as I remember, he really loved working with wood). To my surprise, adult life was difficult for Sasha. Although his work was not particularly difficult, my former classmate was worried about every little thing. Nerves let Sasha down in many situations, which is why his whole life went downhill.
In order to somehow strengthen his nervous system and psycho-emotional state, Alexander decided to resort to meditation. After reading a lot of literature regarding it, he seriously took up meditative techniques. Sasha really tried, spent a lot of effort and time on exercises, but there was still no result, only his muscles became numb. Sasha, like everyone around him, had already begun to think that meditation was useless, but he still made one last attempt. Having found among his friends a girl with many years of experience in meditation, my friend asked her to monitor at least one session and point out its mistakes. As it turned out, there was only one mistake - the wrong posture for meditation.
Following the advice of an older comrade, Sasha changed the asana for meditation techniques. Having changed his position to the correct one, my friend continued his studies. Each time the exercises brought more and more benefits. Firstly, his body began to relax, and he forgot about how stiff his back was from staying in one position for a long time, and secondly, Sasha began to cope with emotional stress more easily. Everyone is still perplexed by how something as small as a meditation posture can affect the results of exercise.
Basic principles of correct posture
Although meditation poses may seem uncomfortable at first glance, they actually relax the body and mind. But for such an effect, you need to take the right pose, otherwise all your efforts will come to naught. Regardless of which asana you choose, you must adhere to the following rules:
- keep your back straight;
- do not arch your lower back too much;
- keep your chest open;
- move your shoulders back and lower them slightly;
- keep your neck straight;
- lower your chin slightly towards your chest;
- relax your facial muscles;
- touch your knees to the floor (except for asanas during which you need to sit on a chair).
Compliance with the listed requirements for asana will help you tune in to meditation not only mentally, but also physically.
The most common mistakes when choosing a pose
When a beginner takes up meditation on his own, he is likely to make the following mistakes.
- People inexperienced in meditation often hunch over during exercise. This usually happens due to simple negligence - a person simply forgets that he needs to keep his back straight. In this case, the meditator must concentrate better on his body. Slouching is also often caused by problems with the spine. To prevent physiological problems from interfering with meditation, you need to lift your pelvis up using some kind of pad.
- Beginners may arch their back too much. Due to this deflection, a person may experience severe back pain. To straighten your lower back, move your tailbone forward slightly. And if you use a lining, don't make it too high.
If you yourself cannot assess the correctness of your position, ask your loved ones from the outside to look at your asana and evaluate the position of the spine.
Best Poses for Meditation
The main goal of the asana is to relax the body and tense the mind. Moreover, the pose for meditation must be selected individually for each person. Each pose has a number of special benefits that may attract a certain category of people. The most popular meditation poses will be listed below.
- Siddhasana. This asana is one of the main poses for meditation. Many meditation masters recommend not learning many asanas at once, but concentrating only on Siddhasana. To achieve this pose, press your right heel toward your buttocks, flush against your perineum. Place your left leg on top of your right leg (the genitals should be between the feet). The left heel should be close to the pubic bone.
- Lotus Pose. Everyone has probably heard about this asana. This pose requires fairly flexible joints and a good stretch in the hips, which is why many beginners fail to perform this pose. This asana keeps the back muscles toned, improves blood flow and activates consciousness. To get into the Lotus pose, place your left foot on your right thigh and your right foot on your left thigh. Having laid your legs in this way, try to find the most comfortable position for yourself.
- Meditation while lying on your back. This position is one of the simplest and safest asanas. This pose is recommended for beginners and people with back pain or balance problems. The supine position is perfect for relaxing meditation. Place a blanket or rug on the floor and lie down on it. Keep your legs straight and slightly apart, place your arms at your sides, and keep your head straight.
- Meditation while lying on your stomach. This pose is not difficult, but it is only suitable for short meditations. Place a blanket or rug on the floor and lie on your stomach. Keep your right leg straight and bend your left leg slightly. Turn your head to the left and keep your hands at face level, palms down.
- Virasana. It’s not for nothing that this pose is translated as “hero’s pose.” People who have only recently started meditating will find it very difficult to remain in this position for a long time. Virasana is extremely beneficial for joints and internal organs. This position also calms the mind, giving it clarity of thinking. To achieve this pose, kneel and spread your feet. Exhaling, sit with your buttocks on the floor so that the inside of your calves touch the outside of your thighs. The toes should be pressed to the floor and pointed back.
If the chosen pose brings you discomfort, and you cannot independently understand why this is happening, try another asana.
The best mudras for meditation
Hands and their movements are closely related to human consciousness, so the position of the hands during meditation helps control the mind during exercise. The ability to subjugate your body makes it possible to manipulate your mind. Correctly selected finger position during meditation will enhance the beneficial effects. For all the time that humanity has been developing meditative techniques, many mudras have been invented. Here are some of them.
- Jnana (Gyana). This mudra helps to concentrate on meditation, overcome depression, and also stimulates brain function. To perform this mudra, connect your thumb with your index finger and move the remaining fingers to the side.
- Dhyana. Mudra helps you focus on meditation and calm your mind. Place your right palm in your left, forming a boat, and bring the tips of your thumbs together.
- Prana. This mudra has a beneficial effect on vision, relaxes the eyes and helps to concentrate. Connect the tip of your thumb with the tips of your ring and little fingers.
During meditation, you need to perform mudra with both hands (if you are holding a rosary in one hand, you can make a figure out of your fingers with only one hand). Also try not to squeeze your fingers too hard.
Results
For meditation to be beneficial, it is necessary to take into account all the nuances of the technique used. Sometimes even such a small thing as incorrect position of an arm, leg or spine can turn meditation from a healing procedure into a real torture for the body. To avoid this effect, carefully select your meditation position and make sure that your body remains in this position during exercise. You can learn more about meditation and, in particular, about asanas from other articles on the site. Remember that the final result depends on a combination of little things, so it is important to pay attention to every detail.
If you feel very depressed, stress and depression are your constant companions, then help will help you to calm down. Simple and effective combinations will allow you to say goodbye to stress and insomnia forever.
In the article:
Dhyana mudra
Mudra for insomnia
Do you often experience insomnia? Today, there are several proven methods that will save you from bad sleep. For example, you can use special mantras or use such a mudra.
Place your palms opposite the other and place your fourth fingers with your fifth. Now touch your palm with your first finger and cover it with your second and third. You should not connect the bases of your palms.
The combination will only work if you perform it every day before bed. Practice should take exactly 15 minutes (if the practice is longer or you spend less time on it, you will not get the desired result). The combination helps not only to get rid of lack of sleep, but also to relax, calm the nerves and restore spiritual harmony.
Mudras for calm
Unfortunately, in the modern world everyone is subject to stress. Everyone fights them as best they can. Some people chant mantras, others do yoga. Using simple combinations, you will be able to get rid of stress in the shortest possible time.
Tshe-Mudra
On the energetic plane, this is a very strong gesture. Practitioners claim that this is a universal weapon against any stress, no matter what causes it. The combination will also help drive away sadness and melancholy, get rid of apathy, and drive away troubles and sorrows.
To perform the mudra, you should assume the lotus position and place your open palms on your thighs with the backs facing down. Inhale slowly and clench your fingers into a fist, with your thumb in the middle. Hold your breath for 7 counts. After this, exhale slowly.
Extend your fingers one at a time. Exhaling completely, open your entire palm (except the thumb). It should remain pressed against the palm. While holding, repeat in your head.
As you exhale the air, mentally imagine that all problems, hardships, and illnesses are leaving you with it. This exercise should be repeated at least 7 times in one approach. The maximum can be repeated 49 times. Be sure to take a shower after doing the mudra. Water is a great stress reliever.
Prithvi Mudra
This gesture is associated with the element of earth. It has a complex effect on the body, but is especially effective under strong emotional stress and frequent stress. It is often recommended to be used during rehabilitation. Even a beginner can perform the gesture.
You should squeeze your first and fourth fingers. All others must remain straight. You can use the gesture as much as possible to combat stress 3 times a day. The duration of each practice is up to 15 minutes.
Since the combination still awakens the power of the Earth, when working with it, try to take a position so that your feet are firmly planted on the ground or at least on the floor. The lotus position is not suitable in this case.
Shivalinga Mudra
For people who are constantly depressed, very lethargic and lacking initiative, this gesture is suitable. It should also be used by those who are very worried right now. Use the combination immediately as soon as anxiety begins to overcome you.
Many ancient peoples with a large store of esoteric and spiritual knowledge believe that a person’s hand is a kind of key to his soul and body. On the surface of the palm there are energy outputs from all internal organs, as well as a pattern of specific lines. These features gave rise to many teachings that make it possible to decipher data about a person’s character and health, as well as talk about his past and predict the future. Suffice it to recall palmistry and gypsy hand fortune telling, ancient Chinese teachings that help influence internal organs by massaging the palms and feet. In yoga, a certain set of finger gestures is used, which has several meanings and is associated not so much with healing the body, but with a deep philosophical awareness of one’s own self.
What is it
This concept, which is difficult for Europeans, cannot be interpreted one-sidedly and narrowly. Yoga mudra is a wide variety of gestures performed with the fingers of both hands and carrying a multifaceted load. This is both a sign language, a kind of gymnastics, and a magical action, but first of all, it is a way of synchronizing body and soul, an opportunity to tune in to direct contact with your own subconscious.
Hindus consider mudras a gift from the gods, who, with their help, contacted people during the dance. And today, Indian dance is a complex multi-layered action, more of a theatrical performance and an appeal to the deity than simple dance movements. God Shiva is called “creating the world by the power of cosmic dance,” therefore all his images reproduce specific poses and gestures from ritual dances. From Hinduism, mudras were adopted by Buddhism. In order to identify and characterize the stages of meditation, 9 main gestures were used, which were called “Buddha Mudras”. Subsequently, all images of Buddha began to be accompanied by characteristic gestures that have sacred meaning.
What are they used for?
It is believed that all finger movements carry a certain meaning; these are methods of non-verbal communication with the outside world. Mudras can be compared to the language of the deaf and dumb, only in it gestures are aimed at communicating between two individuals with speech and hearing defects, and finger yoga is a way of contacting the body with its own consciousness and subconscious, and through it with the supreme invisible forces that control everything in this world.
In general, mudras are special therapeutic movements and combinations of finger positions that help balance energy potential, save from physical and emotional overload, and align character. With their help, you can cope with various diseases, get rid of the state of constant irritation and chronic fatigue, achieve what you want and harmonize the entire body as a whole.
Magic or a way of self-awareness
Finger yoga excludes simple mechanical repetition of a series of movements; it is a kind of ritual that includes not only gestures, but also a certain spiritual tension. Only by connecting a deep meditative state to gestures can you reach the level where every movement becomes a reflection of the actions of the soul. As a result, mudras acquire healing properties, since they uniquely “tune” the body to proper functioning, just as a tuner works with a valuable musical instrument and returns its divine sound.
There are many uses of these ritual gestures in the West. Some attribute almost magical, magical properties to them. Numerous publications and the Internet are filled with various “wisdoms of wish fulfillment,” “recovery,” “wealth,” and even “weight loss.” This phenomenon should not be treated as something related to magic or the occult. This practice has ancient roots and connects the hands as an energy channel with the brain and consciousness. In fact, this is a way of influencing your body through the subconscious and cosmic energy, and has nothing to do with witchcraft or any form of magic. That is why simply repeating actions based on pictures or descriptions will not give any result. To obtain the desired effect, a special meditative mood and awareness of one’s own actions are required.
Detailed description
Each finger in the hand has its own meaning and is directly related to a specific organ or group of organs. By combining finger movements in a certain order, you can create the necessary vibrations that will affect these organs and establish their normal functioning. In this way, yoga for the fingers is reminiscent of asanas for the body, only here the role of the limbs and torso is played by the hand and all its five fingers.
Meanings assigned to each finger
Each of the fingers belongs to a specific element and is responsible for the functioning of one or more organs:
- Big - Wind, associated with the root chakra and the brain. The first phalanx controls the gallbladder, the second controls the liver, and massaging the entire thumb helps improve brain function and regulate the functioning of the human lymphatic system.
- Index - Fire, throat chakra. The first phalanx is associated with the small intestine, and the second with the heart. Massaging the index finger helps improve the functioning of the intestines and other digestive organs, as well as the functioning of the nervous system, brain and spine.
- Middle – Earth, solar plexus chakra. Impact on the first phalanx will affect the functioning of the stomach, spleen and pancreas. Performing a middle finger massage is very beneficial for health, as it stimulates the proper functioning of many organs: the intestines, circulatory system, brain, removes allergies, nervousness and anxiety, and instills a sense of calm and security.
- Unnamed – Metal, frontal chakra. The first phalanx is responsible for the large intestine, the middle one for the functioning of the lungs. By massaging your ring finger, you can improve the functioning of the endocrine system and liver, and forget about sadness and depression.
- Little finger – Water, heart chakra. Its first phalanx is connected to the bladder, the second to the kidneys. Massage helps improve the functioning of the intestines, duodenum and heart, and also affects psychological balance, removes fears and phobias, and relieves panic attacks.
1. According to people who have studied this issue, there are more than 80 thousand different mudras. However, most often several dozen of the most important and frequently used gestures are studied, most of which have medicinal properties: Shankha - conch shell. Stabilizes the general condition of the body, regulates energy flows, improves the sound of the voice and relieves diseases of the throat and larynx. Due to this property, it is especially recommended for people for whom the voice is the main working and creative instrument (actors, singers, announcers, teachers, speakers, and so on). To perform it, four fingers on the right hand clasp the thumb on the left hand, pressing the pad of the thumb to the pad of the middle finger of the left hand. The mudra is fixed at chest level. It is recommended to recite the Om mantra. 
2. Surabhi – cow. With its help, they successfully fight joint damage, rheumatic pain, radiculitis, diseases of the nervous system and bones. The thumbs do not touch, but the rest of the fingers touch each other with pads. The middle finger of the right hand touches the index finger of the right hand, and the index finger of the left hand touches the index finger of the right hand. The little finger of the left hand is in contact with the ring finger of the right hand, and the little finger of the right hand touches the ring finger of the left hand. 
3. – contemplation. This mudra is considered one of the main and most important; it is used at the beginning of any course of gestures and during meditation. Often combined with the Om mantra. To perform it, the thumb and index finger are connected in two ways - the fingers touch at the tips - passive acceptance, or the thumb is pressed from above to the first phalanx of the index finger - active return. 
4. Shunya – sky. This gesture helps to establish contact with higher powers, develop abilities for clairvoyance, prediction, and foresight. It is very useful for people with memory problems, hard of hearing or suffering from various ear diseases and hearing impairments. Opens closed hearing channels in people who are “blocked” from information entering through the hearing organs. For mudra, you need to press the middle finger with the pad to the base of the thumb, forming a ring. Straighten the remaining fingers without straining them. 
5. Vayu – wind. This mudra is designed to cope with trembling of the limbs, head, neck spasms and rheumatism. It activates the energy of the wind, which literally “blows out” diseases, purifying the energy and improving the patient’s condition. To perform this, press the index fingers with the pads to the base of the thumbs in the form of a ring, the remaining fingers are straightened in a relaxed state. Using your thumbs from below, you lightly support the pads of your index fingers, resting on their base. 
6. Linga – rise. Purpose - treatment of throat diseases, colds, coughs, pneumonia, runny nose and sinusitis. It helps people suffering from weather dependence and treats sexual impotence and coldness. If you follow a special diet, it promotes fast and safe weight loss. Both hands are joined together, the fingers are intertwined, the thumb needs to be set aside and surrounded by a ring from the second thumb of the other hand. 
7. Apan Vayu - life saving. In case of a heart attack, pain in the heart, tachycardia and even developing myocardial infarction, timely execution of this mudra on both hands can stop the disease and even save a life. Press the pad of the index finger against the joint of the last phalanx of the thumb, and connect the thumb and middle finger with a ring. Perform on both hands at the same time. 
8. – life. A very important gesture that activates the energy of the whole body, accelerates the flow of all energy flows, increases tone, gives a vigorous, cheerful state, and stimulates endurance. Relieves weakness, visual impairment, treats eye diseases and gives activity and performance. It acts not only physically, but also on an energetic and psychological level, increasing self-esteem, giving courage and bravery, and helping in new endeavors. For mudra, the pads of the ring finger, thumb and little finger are connected, and the rest are straightened without tension. 
9. Prithvi – earth. Indicated for people with a weak mental constitution, prone to hysterics, psychosis and neuroses. Helps you protect yourself from negative external influences, feel confident in your abilities, stimulate a positive attitude and a qualitatively new assessment of your capabilities and abilities. Renews energy loss with significant expenditure due to stress and nervous tension. In addition, earth mudra improves the sense of smell, helps improve balance, stimulates hair growth and strengthening, helps maintain good skin quality, and strengthens the bone structure of the skeleton. Connect the tips of the thumb and middle finger into a ring, straighten the rest. 
10. Varuna – water. Since a person consists almost entirely of water, this mudra is extremely useful for all people, especially those prone to water balance disorders. Edema, accumulation of fluid and mucus in the lungs, intestines, liver and kidney diseases can be cured by regularly performing this gesture. To do this, press the pad of the little finger of your right hand to the base of the thumb, then press it on top of the little finger. Then we place the right hand in the left hand so that the thumb of the left hand lies on the right, crossing with it. 
Since there are so many similar movements, it is not possible to list them all. There are many guides on using this ancient technique to achieve your own goals, including those not related to treatment and recovery. Mudras can be used to achieve what you want, as they harmonize a person’s internal energies and help him, at the subconscious level, find the optimal solution to the issue. There is no mysticism here, only the activation of the body’s own forces with the help of finger movements, stimulating contact with the eternal and all-encompassing universal mind. Correct practice can greatly help a person by strengthening his body and developing his spirit.
Like yoga for the body, exercises for the fingers require a special state, meditation, and deep immersion in one’s consciousness. You need to control your breathing, pronouncing mantras is encouraged. You can practice in any room, but a meditative, detached mood is especially promoted by solitude, silence or light quiet music, the sound of dripping water and the rustling of leaves, and the splashing of waves. Having completely immersed yourself in a relaxed state, it is easier to comprehend the deep meaning of this ancient practice.
