Mudra shastra

What is Mudra shastra ?

What are Mudras? How would we characterize them?

According to Eastern methods of insight and culture and Yogic practices, 'Mudras' are methodical hand motions. Actually, Mudra in Sanskrit implies a stance/seal

All the more profoundly, "shut electrical circuits" of the unobtrusive diverts in physical and etheric bodies are otherwise called 'Mudras'

Some Western journalists have characterized 'Mudra' as spiritualist hand signals used to center unpretentious vitality, transmit lessons through images and give mystic security

Chogyam Trungpa says Mudra is "an image in the more extensive feeling of signal or activity Also it is an image communicated with the hands to state for oneself as well as other people the nature of various snapshots of contemplation ."

Leaving aside the perplexing definitions offered by different individuals and groups, we will condense to state that:

Mudras are a non-verbal method of correspondence and self articulation comprising of hand signals and finger stances. They hold the adequacy of the talked word. It is an outside articulation of inward purpose, recommending that such non verbal interchanges are more intense than the talked word

In Yoga mudras mean the finger and hand signals and developments utilized as a part of the execution of moves, ceremonies and customs and keeping in mind that taking part in profound activities, for example, reflection. Mudras emblematically express internal emotions and inward mental states. They likewise produce different qualities, for example, valor, power, philanthropy and peace in the professional and to on-lookers

The Gherand Sanhita and the Vajrayana Tantra instruct that the Mudras are fit with respect to giving incredible forces and clairvoyant capacities called "Siddhies" on their experts, henceforth, their insight ought not be passed on to those saturated with wrongdoing, to those that are not consistent with their assertion, to the cynics and non adherents, to apostates and devious people and the individuals who don't watch the statutes

Mudras have in this way dependably been viewed as a recondite science and even as of date there are a huge number of Mudras that are not accessible to the uninitiated (like in the Chen Yen Buddhism or True Buddha Schools). Be that as it may, other than the mudras giving otherworldly picks up, there are mudras which are in like manner of huge incentive in treatment. Consistent inquires about by the committed have conveyed an extensive number of these to the fore in spite of the fact that despite everything we appear to touch the most superficial layer just of this ocean of information

Where and how Mudras began

Nobody knows for beyond any doubt where and how mudras began. They have been being used for millenniums. They have not ben known to cling to any boundaries . They have been found in all landmasses, honed by individuals of all religions and those claiming none. They are as normal to the body as the day by day needs of the body. Every one of that was required was to remember them, recognize them and experimentally comprehend and utilize them

In the Orient these can be seen in the ceremonies and rituals of the rich social conventions of Hinduism and Buddhism in India, Tibet, China, Japan Indonesia and so forth. The sketches in the holes of Ajanta and figures in the Ellora hollows, going back to second. also, first. hundreds of years BC demonstrate multitudinous mudras

Hinduism demonstrates the most punctual recorded information and investigation of Mudras. The most punctual documentations are found in Mantra Shastra (the book of chants), Upasana Shastra (the book of love and petitions) and the Nritya Shastra (the book of traditional moves).

In Jainism, Swami Mahavir Jain and in Sikkhism, Guru Nanak Devji are dependably appeared in Gyan or Dhyan Mudra

In the Occident, cheironomy is the exploration of hand signals (mudras). In Christian workmanship Jesus, John the Baptist and Virgin Mary are appeared in different Mudras. Reference might be had from the book "The gesture based communication of the Mysteries" by J.S.M.Ward. Indeed, even today, the sign utilized by the ministers of Catholic Churches while favoring the enthusiasts, is what is demonstrated somewhere else in this article as "Mahagyan Mudra"

Egyptian hieroglyphics are a virtual fortune place of mudras. The stances of their lords and rulers even as mummies indicate them holding mudras

The Babylonian sun God Damuzi portrays Mudras while plummeting into the black market

In Islam, the enchanted Whirling Dervishes utilized Hand signs or Mudras for different customs and ceremonies

Roman workmanship is loaded with mudras

Man just has that incomparable power in his spirit, that when experimentally blessed with Yoga, can enable him to accomplish all the three superb forces - the physical, mental and otherworldly. All that is required is the direction and the principles of Dhyana (contemplation) and Practice (sadhana)

There are different preeminent sciences for the examinations on and into the human personality and body. Some of these are:

Mudra Vigyan The exploration of finger stances

Kayakalpa Vigyan The art of revival

Brahma Vidya Divine information - theosophy

Pranvinimaya Vidya The art of curing the wiped out and the faulty

Surya Vigyan The art of sun based vitality

Punarjanma Vigyan The art of rebirth

Deerghayu Vidya The art of life span

Swar Vigyan The art of sounds

Rasayan Vigyan The art of Alchemy

Mantra Vigyan The art of profound spell

Samyad Preshan Vidya The art of Telepathy and so forth

There are numerous all the more covering all parts of science known to man today and those that advanced science still needs to find once more

YOG TATVA MUDRA VIGYAN or to put it plainly, the all the more generally known MUDRA VIGYAN is an altogether unmistakable and autonomous branch of yoga. This is the study of finger stances, in view of Yoga of components that go to make the human body. The science that can help raise the person to accomplish relatively divine powers and keep the body flawlessly fit

Mudras in Therapy

We have specified before that The World Health Organization characterizes great wellbeing as:

" A STATE OF COMPLETE PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SOCIAL WELL BEING, NOT MERELY THE ABSENCE OF DISEASE OR INFIRMITY."

On this site, we might manage just those Mudras that salutarily affect the brain and the body to help keep up them at top proficiency and/or help to cure them should they get stricken by any illness or infection

Like any Yoga, Mudras must be honed earnestly and subsequent to increasing full information of them. With couple of exemptions, a routine with regards to these, with halfway learning can, in any event, result in no additions and if honed wrongly additionally create undesireable impacts

Like any Yoga, Mudras ought to be gained from a Guru. In the wake of understanding the fundamental standards, the specialists can for the most part do the majority of the Mudras without anyone else's input

Like any Yoga, Mudras are natures method for recuperating, as expected by nature and in this manner, the orders of nature are to be taken after. These are no moment pills, which do give transitory help yet hurt over the long haul. While a few Mudras do give moment alleviation, for perpetual and long haul picks up they ought to be finished with genuineness and conviction

Keep in mind, the increases from every Yogic method are perpetual and accomplished without meddling with the regular working of the body psyche or soul

Any living body is made of 5 particular components :

FIRE WIND ETHER EARTH WATERThese are not as per science's definition of elements but refer to the five building blocks that go into the formation of any living body. Several ancient health systems are based on the concept of the balance of the five elements. Indian Medical science according to Ayurved and metaphysics affirm that distortion or impairment of the 5 elements create outer disturbance and inner sickness in the body.

The 5 fingers of the hands represent these 5 elements :

The Thumb symbolises the Fire

The Forefinger symbolises the Wind

The Middle finger symbolises the Ether

The Ring finger symbolises the Earth

The Little or small finger symbolises the Water

The finger tips of every living being have many concentrated nerve root endings which are free energy discharge points. Science also confirms that around every tip there is a concentration of free electrons. By touching together of the tips of the fingers or the finger tips to other parts of the palms this free energy (Prana) is redirected back into the body along specified channels, back up to the brain. The redirected energy traveling through the nerves stimulates the various chakras. Keeping the hands on the knees stimulates the Gupta Nari and makes the energy start from the Mooladhara Chakra.

Thus, the tension applied to the nerve/s and/or the neural or psycho-neural circuits formed by the mudras help in balancing the five basic elements (or building blocks). This balancing of the tension, and redirection of the internal energy effects the changes in veins, tendons, glands and sensory organs, to bring the body back to a healthy state.

Keeping specified nerves stretched for specified periods tones up of the nervous system. The fingers of each hand are held folded in certain specific postures and this provides the required tension on the nerves.

The fingers of each and every individual in the world are different in their shapes and sizes. These are determined and provided by nature as a tool to bring the nerves into prime condition when affected adversely.

Thus, they provide a different 'end tension' on the nerves when different individuals fold their fingers or the same individual folds the fingers by different methods in different Mudras. This is exactly the tension required by that individual for that particular application. Nature has already bestowed us with the tools to be used to keep us healthy.

Compare this with Acupressure where the nerves are influenced by the application of pressure on certain points or Acupuncture, where slight electrical impulses are conveyed through needles inserted in the body. The advantage in Mudras is that the pressure to be applied on the nerves is automatic and controlled by the shape and size of the fingers and not by external agencies.

Because the Mudras work on the nerves, they are a NEURAL SCIENCE

Mudra Vigyan is also a science based on the principles of the Indian Medical Science (Ayurveda) which lays down three factors primarily responsible for the body's ills, Vata (wind), Pitta (bile) and Kapha (Phlegm).

10 types of Vayus (Winds) circulate through the nerves of the human body and can be controlled with MUDRAS.

MUKHYA VAYUS (Main Winds)

Pran Vayu Mouth; central nose; central nabhi; heart

Apan Vayu Rectum; regenerative organs; knees; loins Stomach; waist; navel and calves

Vyan Vayu Eyes; ears; shoulders; ankles; throat

Udan Vayu Hands and feet

Saman Vayu assists other Vayus

UPVAYUS (Secondary winds)

Nag Vayu, Kurm Vayu, Kriker Vayu, Krikal or Devadutta Vayu, Dhananjaya Vayu and these winds circulate in places like the skin and bones etc.

The rules to keep these Vayus in good order are called PANCHMUKHI PRANOPASANA or the five faceted worship of the life forces and use the Mudras to achieve their ends.

YOGA TATVA mudra vigyan (Yoga related to the elements)

Tatva Yog Mudra vigyan is an independent yoga, built upon the knowledge of the five fingers of the human hand.

Detailed descriptions are available in Mantra Shastra (Books of incantation), Upasana Shastra (Books on meditation), Nritya Shastra (Books on the art of Dances) and the books on the art of sculpture.

Mudra is a very exact and scientific yogic function by which one can develop or even change, one's internal and external dispositions viz. mental (anger, emotional disturbance, intelligence etc.), spiritual (concentration, meditation) or physical (in various diseases, illnesses).

Mudras can bring miraculous mental, spiritual and physical changes and improvements in our body. They help in quickly balancing the elements of the body.

Mudras effect changes in veins, tendons, glands and sense organs.

Mudras need no prior preparation. They can be done (mostly but with exceptions) at any time, anywhere and under virtually any circumstances.

They are like literal remote control switches bringing quick and effective changes.

They help bring about permanent changes.

A constant practice of Mudras can stop or slow down the destructive changes in the human body. It can help develop a virtuous, socially amiable, non-violent, pious and courteous disposition.

Some of the Mudras can balance the elements of the body within 45 minutes; some react within a few seconds on the human body.

The ancients believed there were 24 diagnostic elements, the Gayatri mantra has 24 words, the Jains have 24 Tirthankaras, and Sanatan Dharma has 24 avatars. The 24 words of the Gayatri Mantra have a special relationship with 24 mudras known as GAYATRI MUDRAS. They have different names and formations. The importance of Mudras is also clear from the grim qualifier to these:

Etaa Mudraa na jaanaati, Gaayatri nishphalaa bhaveta
To him who does not know Mudras, Gayatri becomes ineffectual.

• Mudras awaken the cosmic energy and help unite the atma (soul) with the Paramatama (the cosmic soul).

Most commonly known mudras and how they affect the body

Gyan Mudra:In this position the fingers are held with the tip of the index finger touching the tip of the thumb and the remaining three fingers nearly straight--kind of like an "OK" sign, except the palms of each hand are pointed up or front.

This mudra is good for: stresses and strains, insomnia, emotional instability, indecisiveness, excessive anger, idleness, laziness, indolence, and is a great help in increasing memory and I.Q. It can help cure sleeplessness and get one off sleeping pills where these are being taken.

There are a number of variations of this mudra for higher and higher degrees of attainment e.g. Purna Gyan Mudra, Vairagya Mudra, Abhay Mudra, Varad Mudra, Dhyan Mudra, Mahagyan Mudra. As one keeps attaining higher and higher levels of the mind, the mudra's change.

Vayu Mudra: This finger position is unbeatable in quickly and effectively removing the accumulated wind in the stomach. Depending on one's physiology, it may take anywhere from 1 minute to 15 minutes or so to effectively expel all accumulated wind in the stomach without the use of anti-flatulants. Mudra should be stopped when the trouble abates.

It helps in alleviating all wind based aches and pains. Considering that almost 80 % of the body's aches and pains are due to wind, the practice of this Mudra is a must, before taking recourse to any other treatment. It is very effective in Parkinson's disease (an ailment of the nerves where the patients body, head and limbs shake uncontrollably).

Shunya Mudra: This helps those with impaired hearing. If there is no physical defect, the mudra, if practiced regularly, can restore the hearing power. Remarkably, it helps in getting rid of earaches within minutes. It takes no mare than 2 to 3 minutes to get rid of most earaches.

It helps in relieving the nausea and vomiting sensations felt while driving on winding hilly curves or while taking off or landing in aircrafts. It helps in many problems of vertigo.

The mudra should not be continued after the problem has been removed.

Apan-Vayu Mudra: This finger position works like an injection in cases of a heart attack. Regular practice is an insurance in preventing heart attacks, tacho-cardia, palpitations, depressions, sinking feeling of the heart. Also known as the Mritsanjivani Mudra for arresting heart attack.

PranMudra: This finger position is an all time useful Mudra and can be done for any length of time, any time, any place and will only help in adding to the benefits. This is the mudra which, along with the Apan Mudra, precedes any efforts at higher meditation by the Yogis and saints. The mudra helps to increase the Pran Shakti or the "Life force". It increases one's self confidence. It helps the body in increasing it's vitality and sustenance when deprived of food and water.

It helps in improving weak eyesight and quiescence (motionlessness) of the eyes.

It supports any other treatment where the patient is short on confidence.

Here are some more mudras which are useful in therapy. As mentioned earlier there can be no end to the gains that may be had from Mudras. While for most Mudras there are no restrictions of posture and time, others should not be performed without full knowledge. In some cases, practice for longer periods or while in a different posture or at the wrong time could even prove harmful.

Aatmanjali Mudra:Helps in centering the consciousness of the mind

Aakash Mudra:Helps to remove weakness of bones, hearing deficiency.

Caution:This Mudra should not be done while walking

Apan Mudra:Helps in purification of the body, urinary problems, easy secretion of excreta, regulating menstruation and painless discharge, easy child delivery, Piles, Diabetes and kidney disorders.

Caution: This Mudra should not be done by pregnant ladies before completing 8 months. After that a 10 minutes practice 3 to 4 times a day will ensure normal delivery

Girivar Mudra:urinary problems, purification of body

Shankh Mudra:Tone therapy, speech defects, Indigestion, loss of appetite

Meao Mudra:Excellent in bringing the Blood Pressure to normal from either high or low

Vyana Mudra:To be alternated with Meao Mudra for High B. P. only.

Ling Mudra:Generates heat in the body. It destroys phlegm and helps in problems of colds, catarrh and coughs. It is excellent when the body is cold due to shortage of cover in inimical weather. This mudra must be performed under supervision or with full knowledge.

Varun Mudra:A miracle mudra for Skin problems, wrinkling, loss of glow, dehydration, excessive body heat, blood disorders

Surabhi Mudra or theDhenu Mudra: Is a very effective and powerful Mudra. By itself this Mudra helps a sadhak (an aspirant practitioner) to break any barriers which he may face when on the thresh hold of samadhi (the ultimate meditation).

In this Mudra the ethereal elements combine such as to magnify and multiply their powers and produce powerful results on the body. Vayu (Wind; symbolised by the first finger) meets Aakash (Ether; symbolised by the middle finger), to stabilise the chakra (the circle) of the universe. Again Prithvi (Earth; symbolised by the ring finger) meets Jal (Water; symbolised by the small finger), to produce the generative power of the universe.

With constant practice, this mudra helps to stabilise and bring in resonance the Nabhi Chakra or the circle of the navel, so essential for the ultimate elevation of the human mind and body. The mudra has 4 variations, each of which gives different results.

Vayu-Surabhi MudraA variation of the basic Surabh Mudra, it helps to eliminate all ailments resulting from the increase of wind in the system

Shunya Surabhi MudraBy increasing the ethereal vacuity it helps the sadhak to increase the hearing power manifold.

Prithvi Surabhi MudraHelps to cure all ailments of the stomach generated due to defects in the digestive system. Specially effective for people with chronic digestive ailments.

Jal Surabhi MudraThis mudra helps to cure and eliminate diseases related to bile. It helps in curing diseases related to urine and assists easy passage.

Prithvi Mudra: Increases solidity in the body. Removes weakness, lack of body solidity. Helps gain for underweights. chronic fatigue and weakness

Surya Mudra:It helps to reduce the accumulated fat in the body and unwanted cholesterol. in accumulated fat in body, reduction in cholesterol.