Mudras Mudras Mudras Mudras
Author: Nicole Dunn
Prairie Yoga
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training
March 2013
Cascade Yoga Studio
Table of Contents
Introduction1
What are Mudras1
History of Mudras2
How Mudras Work.3
Mudras and Yoga.8
Before Practicing.9
Specific Mudras with Sequence.......................10
Detoxification Mudra.11
Prithiva Mudra.16
Hridaya Mudra.22
Conclusion.28
Bibliography.29
1
Introduction
This paper is intended to be an introduction to mudras. It will include the definition of
mudras, a brief history of mudras, an overview of how mudras work based on different
theories, how mudras and yoga are related, hand warm up, and look in depth at three mudras
including a yoga sequence with each mudra to compliment the intended energetic, emotional,
and physical result. This paper is written with the expectation that the reader has a basic
knowledge of yoga concepts. The yoga sequences are written for level 1-2 students and a 75
minute class. It is expected that students will know how to appropriately modify any asana for
their needs. This paper is intended to be an introduction to mudras and explore how mudras
can compliment in the asana practice and achieve the intended results.
What are Mudras
Mudras are the hand gestures that are symbolic in cultures. They are used to
communicate with each other such as waiving hello. They are used in rituals, such as folding
your hands in prayer. They are also used for the energetic, emotional, and physical effects.
There are many examples of other mudras in American culture.
Shaking hands when you meet someone.
Raising the index finger to say just a minute.
Holding out your hand to signal stop.
Not all examples are as polite as these.
2
The Sanskrit for mudra is literally translated to gesture or attitude. Mudra is also
commonly translated to seal. The roots in Sanskrit are Mud and Dru. Mud is delight or
pleasure, and Dru is to draw forth. The literal translation includes the hand gestures, but will
also include dristis (eye focal points), asanas (body positions), and pranayama (breathing
techniques). This paper will only focus on the hand gestures and will exclude the others.
History of Mudras
Mudras have a very deep history and can be found in all cultures including, Ancient
Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Persians, Aborigines in Australia, Ancient Indians, Ancient Chinese,
Africans, Turks, Fijians, Mayans, Inuit, and the Native Americans, just to name a few. As you
can see, the list encompasses many cultures with varying languages, historic periods, and
continents. It has even been proven that Apes will communicate with each other using their
hands.
Each culture will have their own mudras, and the mudras would have a specific
meaning. This means that two cultures might have the same mudra, but the different cultures
would have different meaning associated with that mudra. This is still true today. In America,
you would raise your index finger to signal that you want one of something. This same gesture
will get you two of something in Germany.
3
How Mudras Work
With mudras having such a deep and broad history, there are many theories about how
and why they work. Some of these theories include influences from Ayurveda, Chakras,
Accupressure Points, Reflex Zones, Meridians, and Planetary and Palmistry. The different
theories believe that depending where pressure is placed on the hand, what energetic,
emotional, and physical effects it will have on the practitioner. Below are images of some of
the different theories.
Ayurveda Chakra
4
Acupressure
5
Reflex Zones
6
Meridians
7
Planetary Classification and Palmistry
This is a lot of different
practitioner should appreciate the knowledge and use it as a basis to practice and reflect on.
Some things will resonate more than others
be felt more than others. The practitioner needs to experime
best for them.
Mudras and Yoga
There are a few mudras that are commonly used in a yoga practice. These would
include:
Atmanjalia Mudra
But mudras are not limited to just these few common yoga ones. They are limitless.
Mudras are often used during meditation. They have healing properties for the
emotional, and physical health of the practitioner, just like yoga. Mudras and breath
also be used together, just like yoga. To me, they seem very different but yet very similar and
could be used together to get the
Mudras
8
different information, and some of it can be contradictory.
practitioner should appreciate the knowledge and use it as a basis to practice and reflect on.
Some things will resonate more than others with each individual. Some things will be able to
be felt more than others. The practitioner needs to experiment and determine what works
udras that are commonly used in a yoga practice. These would
Jnana Mudra Chin Mudra
udras are not limited to just these few common yoga ones. They are limitless.
Mudras are often used during meditation. They have healing properties for the
physical health of the practitioner, just like yoga. Mudras and breath
also be used together, just like yoga. To me, they seem very different but yet very similar and
the desired effect and complement each other.
and some of it can be contradictory. Every
practitioner should appreciate the knowledge and use it as a basis to practice and reflect on.
. Some things will be able to
nt and determine what works
udras that are commonly used in a yoga practice. These would
udras are not limited to just these few common yoga ones. They are limitless.
Mudras are often used during meditation. They have healing properties for the energetic,
physical health of the practitioner, just like yoga. Mudras and breath should
also be used together, just like yoga. To me, they seem very different but yet very similar and
9
When practicing a mudra, the pressure of the fingers engaged in the mudra should be
very light but firm and the other fingers and hand should be relaxed. If practicing a mudra by
itself, without an asana practice, it is advised to start with several deep exhalations at the
beginning. It is also recommended to pay attention to the kumbhaka (breath retention) after
inhalation and after exhalation.
Before Practicing
It is advised to warm up the hands, wrists, and shoulders prior to practicing mudras.
Most individuals, especially in the West, are not use to using their hands and wrists in this way
and will experience fatigue without proper preparation and practice. This is equivalent to
warming up the body prior to any exercise. Below is a sample warm up. This can be modified
for the individual practitioner as necessary.
Rub palms together to create heat for ten seconds.
Right palm towards sky with wrist at a 90 degree and pull down each finger individually
and hold for ten seconds, then move to the next finger. When all fingers on the right
hand are completed, move to the left hand.
Right palm towards earth with wrist at a 90 degree and pull down each straightened
finger individually and hold for ten seconds, then move to the next finger. When all
fingers on the right hand are completed, move to the left hand.
Reach arms out to the sides so they are parallel to earth with palms up, bend wrists into
extension so the tips of the fingers point toward the earth and hold for ten seconds.
Shake hands vigorously for ten seconds.
Back of hands together in front of heart center for ten seconds.
10
Specific Mudras
Three mudras have been chosen, Detoxification Mudra, Prithiva Mudra and Hridaya
Mudra. These mudras will be explored in detail including the Sanskrit translation, how to place
your hands into the mudra, how the mudra interacts with the different theories, a yoga
sequence to compliment the mudra, and my personal reflection of the sequence on my
energetic, emotional, physical state.
11
Detoxification Mudra
To many people, detox has a certain meaning. Maybe it is an aggressive, restrictive diet
that they do a couple of times a year with or without supplements. Maybe it is choosing to give
up some food or eat a certain way. Others maybe have a more physical definition, such as
removing clutter from their life. This mudra is believed to support the detoxification of waste
materials and toxins within the body, but also emotions such as bad memories, grudges, bad
habits, negative character traits, and fears. I had not previously thought of detoxing the
unhealthy emotions, but I like this concept.
To practice the Detoxification Mudra, the pad of the thumb should be placed on the
inside of the ring finger between the base of the finger and their first joint. The rest of the
fingers should be extended but relaxed. This is done in both hands. Below is an interpretation
of the different theories of how mudras work utilizing the images from the previous section.
Ayurveda Engages the Earth and Fire elements.
Chakras Engages the Root (Muladhara) Chakra and Solar Plexus (Manipura) Chakra.
12
Acupressure Puts pressure on the sore throat pressure point on the thumbs, which is
not relevant to this mudra but some practitioners might find relief if they are
experiencing this symptom.
Reflex Zones Puts pressure on the ears, spinal column, brain, pineal gland and pituitary
gland to stimulate these areas.
Meridians Stimulates the liver/stomach and lung meridians.
Planetary Classification and Palmistry
o Planetary Classification Puts pressure on Apollo and Mars.
o Palmistry Puts pressure on relationship to others and vital self-assertion.
Sequence
Siddhasana or some other comfortable pose
Hand warm up (see previous section Before Practicing on page seven)
Set intention
o Suggestion letting go or detoxing of a bad memory, grudge, bad habit, negative
character trait, fear or some other negative emotion that is no longer serving
you.
If in Siddhasana or some other asymmetrical pose, switch the cross of the feet
o Place hands in mudra and meditate for five minutes.
o If hands or arms get tired during this time, release the mudra and continue
meditating.
o Every time that the mudra is used in the sequence, it is a good time to return to
your intention.
Cat/Cow
o Hold for ten breaths
Wag the Dog
o Hold for ten breaths
Thread the Needle
o Dynamic for five breaths
o Hold for ten breaths
Balasana with Mudra
o Hold for ten breaths
o This asana is always available to you if the practice brings up strong negative
emotions or if you just need a rest.
13
Adho Mukha Svanasana
o Hold for ten breaths
o Do what feels good, such as walk the dog, or sway side to side to start to bring
movement into the body.
Uttanasana
o May need slight bend in the knees as the body continues to warm up
Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Surya Namaskara C Modified two rounds
o Inhale - Urdhva Hastasana
May have slight back bend if it feels good in your body
o Exhale Uttanasana
o Inhale Step right foot back into low lunge
o Exhale Lower hips into lunge
o Inhale Rise to Anjaneyasana with mudra in both hands
o Exhale Twist
Hold for five breaths
o Inhale Anjaneyasana with mudra in both hands
o Exhale Adho Mukha Svanasana
o Inhale Plank
o Exhale Astangasana
o Inhale Low Bhujangasana
o Exhale Adho Mukha Svanasana
o Inhale Step right foot forward into low lunge
o Exhale Lower hips into lunge
o Inhale Rise to Anjaneyasana with mudra in both hands
o Exhale Twist
Hold for five breaths
o Inhale Anjaneyasana with mudra in both hands
o Exhale Uttanasana
o Inhale Urdhva Hastasana
May have slight back bend if it feels good in your body
o Exhale Tadasana with mudra in both hands
o Repeat on left side
Trikonasana
o Right side
o Mudra in left hand
o Hold for five breaths
Virabhadrasana 2
o Right side
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for five breaths
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Prasarita Padottanasana
o Interlace fingers around big toes
o Hold for five breaths
Parivrtta Ardha Prasarita Padottanasana
o Twist right first
o Mudra in right hand
o Hold for five breaths
o Repeat with left twist
Trikonasana
o Left side
o Mudra in right hand
o Hold for five breaths
Virabhadrasana 2
o Left side
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for five breaths
Prasarita Padottanasana
o Interlace fingers around big toes
o Hold for five breaths
Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Step left foot forward to high lunge
Parsvakonasana with mudra in both hands
Parivrtta Parsvakonasana
o May lift back foot if necessary
o Mudra in left hand
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Step right foot forward to high lunge
Parsvakonasana with mudra in both hands
Parivrtta Parsvakonasana
o May lift back foot if necessary
o Mudra in right hand
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Dandasana
Maricyasana 1
o Right side
Maricyasana 3
o Right side
o Mudra in left hand
Danadasana
Maricyasana 1
o Left side
15
Maricyasana 3
o Left side
o Mudra in right hand
Danadasana
Jathara Parivartanasana
o Bent knees
o Supported if necessary
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for ten breaths
Supta Padangusthasana 1
Knees to chest
Supta Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Savasana
o If it feels appropriate, have mudra in both hands
About the Sequence
This sequence includes many twists, which are great for detoxing the body and mind.
Twists will create heat in the body helping wring out the toxins, both physical and emotional.
During a detox period, it is advisable to be nice to your body but to also sweat. This sequence is
nice because it is not extremely physically demanding, but it does build heat to create sweat.
From my personal perspective, I had a situation arise that brought up some past
negative emotions. I practiced this sequence several times and was able to let go of the
negative feelings that I held and work through the situation more calmly and clearly. I was able
to find more peace in my past. I think that including the mudra in the asana practice assisted in
the detoxification of the old emotion.
16
Prithiva Mudra
Prithiva in Sanskrit means Earth, so this is the Earth Mudra. This mudra helps to balance
the Muladhara Chakra, or the Root Chakra. When Muladhara Chakra is balanced, one feels
grounded, healthy, safe, secure, self assured, stable, strong, and trusting.
To practice Prithiva Mudra, the tip of the thumb should touch the tip of the ring finger.
The rest of the fingers should be extended but relaxed. This is done in both hands. Below is an
interpretation of the different theories of how mudras work utilizing the images from the
previous section.
Ayurveda Engages the Earth and Fire elements.
Chakras Engages the Root (Muladhara) Chakra and Solar Plexus (Manipura) Chakra.
Acupressure None.
Reflex Zones Puts pressure on the ears and pineal gland.
Meridians Stimulates the liver/stomach and lung meridians.
Planetary Classification and Palmistry
o Planetary Classification Puts pressure on Apollo and Mars in Astrology.
o Palmistry - Puts pressure on relationship to others and vital self-assertion.
17
Other
o Intensifies send of smell.
o Good for bones, hair, nails and skin.
o Restore equilibrium when walking.
o Stimulates body temperature, liver and stomach.
Sequence
Virasana or some other comfortable pose
Hand warm up (see previous section Before Practicing on page seven)
Set intention
o Suggestion to feel healthy, safe, secure, stabile, strong, and trusting.
If in an asymmetrical pose, switch the cross of the feet
o Place hands in mudra and meditate for five minutes.
o If hands or arms get tired during this time, release the mudra and continue
meditating.
o Every time that the mudra is used in the sequence, it is a good time to return to
your intention.
Spinal Anjulation 1
o Arms in a tee with mudra in both hands
o Hold for ten breaths
Supta Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Dynamic Supine Twist
o Arms in a tee with mudra
o Cross right knee over left
o Inhale drop knees to right
o Exhale return to center
o Repeat on same side for ten breaths
o Repeat on other side
Supta Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Supta Ardha Candrasana
o Hold for five breaths each side
o Repeat each side
Supta Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Balasana with mudra in both hands
o Hold for ten breaths
o This asana is always available to you if you need a rest.
18
Adho Mukha Svanasana
o Hold for ten breaths
o Do what feels good, such as walk the dog, or sway side to side to start to bring
movement into the body
Uttanasana
o May need slight bend in the knees as the body continues to warm up
Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Surya Namaskara Stryker two rounds
o Tadasana with mudra in both hands
o Inhale Urdhva Hastasana with mudra in both hands
o Exhale Utkatasana (First round hold for five breaths) with mudra in both hands
o Inhale Reach up while holding Utkatasana
o Exhale Uttanasana
o Inhale Ardha Uttanasana
o Exhale Adho Mukha Svanasana
o Inhale Plank
o Exhale Chaturanga Dandasana
o Inhale Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
o Exhale Adho Mukha Svanasana
o Inhale Step right leg forward into Virabhadrasana I with mudra in both hands
o Exhale Hold
o Inhale Straighten front Leg
o Exhale Parsvottanasana
o Inhale High lunge with hands on floor
o Exhale Adho Mukha Svanasana
o Inhale Step left leg forward into Virabhadrasana I with mudra in both hands
o Exhale Hold
o Inhale Straighten front leg
o Exhale Parsvottanasana
o Inhale High lunge with hands on floor
o Exhale Adho Mukha Svanasana
o Inhale Plank
o Exhale Chaturanga Dandasana
o Inhale Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
o Exhale Adho Mukha Svanasana Hold for ten breaths
o Inhale Ardha Uttanasana
o Exhale Uttanasana
o Inhale Urdhva Hastasana with mudra in both hands
o Exhale Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Parsvakonasana
o Right side
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for ten breaths
19
Virabhadrasana 2
o Right side
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for ten breaths
Trikonasana
o Right side
o Mudra in left hand
o Hold for ten breaths
Prasarita Padottanasana
o Support Head
o Hold for ten breaths
Parsvakonasana
o Left side
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for ten breaths
Virabhadrasana 2
o Left side
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for ten breaths
Trikonasana
o Left side
o Mudra in right hand
o Hold for ten breaths
Prasarita Padottanasana
o Support head
o Hold for ten breaths
Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Chaturanga Dandasana
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Uttanasana
Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Virabhadrasana 1
o Left side
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for ten breaths
Virabhadrasana 3
o Left side
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for ten breaths
20
Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Virabhadrasana 1
o Right side
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for ten breaths
Virabhadrasana 3
o Right side
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for ten breaths
Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Vrksasana
o Hold for five to seven breaths each side
o Mudra in both hands if available
Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Vasisthasana
o Right side
o Hold for five to seven breaths
o Mudra in left hand
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Vasisthasana
o Left side
o Hold for five to seven breaths
o Mudra in right hand
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Chaturanga Dandasana
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Parivrtta Dandasana
o Hold for ten breaths each side
Dandasana
Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana
o Hold for ten breaths
Dandasana
Gomukhasana
o Hold for ten breaths
Danadasana
Jathara Parivartanasana
o Bent knees
o Supported if necessary
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for ten breaths
21
Knees to chest
Supta Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Savasana
o If it feels appropriate have mudra in both hands
About the Sequence
This sequence includes many standing poses, which are held longer and two balance
poses. The standing asanas along with the longer holds assist the mudra to help balance
Muladhara Chakra and give the student a feeling of security and stability. The balance poses
are included to give the student an opportunity to play to see if they are more grounded.
From my personal perspective, I practiced this sequence several times during storms. I
found it very grounding and calming. I also noticed that I was much more stable and strong in
the poses and balance was almost effortless. I will also find myself using this mudra if I am
practicing a balance pose and am a little wobbly, even in a class, to help with my balance.
Mudras
22
Hridaya Mudra
Hridaya means heart in Sanksrit. Hrid translates to center and Ayam translates to this.
This is the Heart Mudra and is also known as the Apana Vayu Mudra and the Amritsanjeevani
Mudra (Mudra for Immortality).
This mudra is used to increase the health of the physical heart and to help unburden the
emotion heart.
To practice the Hridaya Mudra, place the tip of the index finger at the base of the
thumb, bring the tips of the middle and ring finger to the tip of the thumb, and extend the
pinky finger straight. This is done in both hands. Below is an interpretation of the different
theories of how mudras work utilizing the images from the previous section.
Ayurveda Engages the Air, Heaven/Ether, Earth and Fire elements.
Chakras Engages the Anahata (Heart) Chakra, Vishuddha (Throat) Chakra, Root
(Muladhara) Chakra and Solar Plexus (Manipura)Chakra.
Acupressure None.
Reflex Zones Puts pressure on the ears, pineal gland, head, neck and throat.
Meridians Stimulates the liver/stomach, spleen and lung meridians.
23
Planetary Classification and Palmistry
o Planetary Classification Puts pressure on Jupiter, Saturn, Apollo, and Mars.
o Palmistry Puts pressure on sense of self worth, responsibility, relationship to
others and vital self-assertion.
Other
o Diverts prana to the heart area improving vitality of the heart.
o Helps release pent up emotion and unburden the heart.
o Opens the heart and awakens the love inside of a person.
o Calming and helps control high blood pressure.
Sequence
Varjasana or some other comfortable pose
Hand warm up (see previous section Before Practicing on page seven)
Sukhasana or some other comfortable pose
Set intention
o Suggestion to feel light in the heart.
o Place hands in mudra palms up and meditate for five minutes.
o If hands or arms get tired during this time, release the mudra and continue
meditating.
o Every time that the mudra is used in the sequence, it is a good time to return to
your intention.
If in an asymmetrical pose, switch the cross of the feet
Cat/Cow
o Place two blocks in front of knees
o Place a hand on each block
o Dynamic for ten breaths
Side Stretch
o Walk blocks to the right
o Hold for five breaths
24
Twist
o Lift left hand to sky
o Mudra in left hand
o Hold for five breaths
Repeat on other side
Balasana with mudra in both hands
o Hold for ten breaths
o This asana is always available to you if you need a rest.
Adho Mukha Svanasana
o Hold for ten breaths
o Do what feels good, such as walk the dog, or sway side to side to start to bring
movement into the body
Uttanasana
Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Surya Namaskara C Modified two rounds
o Inhale - Urdhva Hastasana with mudra in both hands
May have slight back bend if it feels good in your body
o Exhale Uttanasana
o Inhale Step right foot back into low lunge
o Exhale Lower hips into lunge
o Inhale Rise to Anjaneyasana with mudra in both hands
o Exhale Adho Mukha Svanasana
o Inhale Plank
o Exhale Chaturanga
o Inhale Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
o Exhale Adho Mukha Svanasana
o Inhale Step right foot forward into low lunge
o Exhale Lower hips into lunge
o Inhale Rise to Anjaneyasana with mudra in both hands
o Exhale Uttanasana
o Inhale Urdhva Hastasana with mudra in both hands
May have slight back bend if it feels good in your body
o Exhale Tadasana with mudra in both hands
o Repeat on left side
Virabhadrasana I
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold five breaths
o Dynamic
Inhale Cactus arms and add a little back bend
Exhale Return
Dynamic for five breaths
Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Uttanasana
25
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Anjaneyasana
o Left foot forward
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for five breaths
Parivrtta Anjaneyasana
o Hold for five breaths
Anjaneyasana with mudra in both hands
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Anjaneyasana
o Right foot forward
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for five breaths
Parivrtta Anjaneyasana
o Hold for five breaths
Anjaneyasana with mudra in both hands
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Uttanasana
Tadasana
Natarjasana
o Hold for five breaths
o With mudra in hand
o Repeat
Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Virabhadrasana 2
o Right side
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for five breaths
Reverse Virabhadrasana 2
o Right side
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for five breaths
Virabhadrasana 2
o Left side
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for five breaths
Reverse Virabhadrasana 2
o Left side
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for five breaths
Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Chaturanga Dandasana
26
Low Bhujangasana
Salabhasana
o Mudra in both hands
o Hold for five breaths
o Repeat
Dhanurasana
o Hold for five breaths
o Repeat
Dhanurasana
o Roll side to side
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Ustrasana
o Hold for five breaths
o Repeat
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Uttanasana
Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Trikonasana
o Right side
o Mudra in left hand
o Hold for five breaths
Ardha Candrasana 2
o Right side
o Mudra in left hand
o Hold for five breaths
Ardha Candra Chapasana
o Right side
o Hold for five breaths
Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Trikonasana
o Left side
o Mudra in right hand
o Hold for five breaths
Ardha Candrasana 2
o Left side
o Mudra in right hand
o Hold for five breaths
Ardha Candra Chapasana
o Left side
o Hold for five breaths
Tadasana with mudra in both hands
Uttanasana
Adho Mukha Svanasana
27
Supta Padangusthasana I
o Right leg
o Hold for five breaths
Supta Padangusthasana 3
o Right leg
o Hold for five breaths
Supta Padangusthasana I
o Left leg
o Hold for five breaths
Supta Padangusthasana 3
o Left leg
o Hold for five breaths
Knees to chest
o Roll side to side if appropriate
Savasana
o If it feels appropriate have mudra in both hands
About the Sequence
This sequence includes many heart opening postures, which help to lighten the spirit
and increase happiness. These also help to decrease depression, which is the burdening of the
heart. These asanas should assist the mudra to balance the heart and increase the feeling of
love.
From my personal perspective, I practiced this sequence several times and found that
initially getting my hands into the mudra during the practice was difficult, but it got
progressively easier. The sequence left me feeling energized and light hearted.
28
Conclusion
Mudras are very powerful, either practiced on their own or with an asana practice. I
practiced several mudras during meditation and could feel their energetic, emotional, and
physical effects. Each of the sequences were designed to give the same effect of the mudra.
When the mudras were used in conjunction with an asana practice, the intended effects were
intensified.
Mudras are very complex. They have a deep history, and the different mudras are
endless. If you dont find one that you are specifically looking for, use the different theories
and create a new one.
I really enjoyed starting to explore mudras, but this is just the beginning of my journey
and by no means the end of my study.
29
Bibliography
angelfire.com/indie/anna_jones1/hridaya.html. Jones, Anna, March 2, 2013.
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