1/4/2021 2 Comments Jnana MudraWhat is Jnana Mudra and why do we use it in yoga practice?...Jnana Mudra - ‘the gesture of consciousness’ - is an energy gesture performed by the hands to channel the flow of vital life force energy (prana) during the meditative aspect of our yoga practice. Sanskrit translation: ‘Jnana’ = wisdom / knowledge 'Mudra’ = seals / energy gestures 'Hasta' = hand Jnana Mudra is probably one of the most widely used hasta mudras. You will no doubt have seen it depicted time and time again, demonstrating a 'wise person meditating' with hands on, or hovering just above, the knees. ... Or, in Rafiki from The Lion King's case, a wise monkey 😉 The thumb symbolises universal consciousness, whereas the index finger symbolises the individual self.Therefore the connection of the thumb and index finger in Jnana Mudra represents the union of the supreme and inner realities. The three remaining outstretched fingers represent the three 'gunas' (qualities) of nature: ‘sattva’ (lucidity / balance / harmony) ‘raja’ (dynamism / light / action) and ‘tamas’ (inertia / darkness / inaction). Variations As mentioned in my previous blog post looking at Namaskar Mudra, you may see a variety of definitions and uses of mudras (as well as asanas/poses) in differing styles of yoga. Jnana Mudra is also referred to as ‘Gyan Mudra’. You may also see a variation with the index finger tucked in as opposed to tips of index finger and thumb touching, sometimes called Chin Mudra. In Sanatan yoga, it is termed Jnana Mudra typically when used in meditation (palms up), and Chin Mudra when turned upside down placing the hands at the root of the legs, near the pelvis alongside ‘vibhaga pranayama’ - The concept of partial breathing, activating independent parts of lungs, stimulating the lower lobes of the lungs. How to use Jnana Mudra is typically used alongside yoga meditation practice in any comfortable seated posture such as ‘sukhasana’ / easy posture, ‘siddhasana’ / accomplished posture or ‘padmasana’ / lotus posture. Touching the tips of the thumb and the index finger together make a circle. Keep the remaining three fingers straight. Rest the backs of the hands onto the knees, or thighs, fingers pointing away from you. The connection of fingertip to thumb allows the prana to circulate with ease. Whilst practicing Jnana Mudra we should aim to be relaxed but alert in the body without strain in the extended fingers or arms. Practicing Jnana Mudra whilst following any meditation practice can bring about many beautiful benefits to help begin to bring stillness, stabilise the mind, enhance focus and concentration.Using a simple ‘body scan meditation’ - bringing conscious awareness to each body part by scanning up the body with the mind from toe to head with a sense of softening and ease - can allow muscles and areas of the body to feel more relaxed, released of stress and tension build up. In Ayurveda, Jnana Mudra is said to balance the two elements - fire ‘agni’ and wind ‘vayu’ - of the five ‘Pancha Mahabhutas’ elements within the body. There are many other benefits associated with Jnana Mudra such as:
Practice Today Now that you know all about Jnana Mudra, it’s time to put it into practice. As you’re reading this, take a minute to find a comfortable seat, take a few deep breaths in and out through the nose, ideally in for a count of 6 and out for a count of 6, and practice this mudra wherever you are (if comfortable & practical of course!) Try to incorporate a gentle upwards body scan with your mind, becoming aware and noticing any sensations in the body as you go, using the breath to bring about a beautiful sense of calm, ease, and gentle letting go of tension. Use the photos as inspiration and hold this mudra for 2-5 minutes (or longer if feels comfortable) Finding a gentle moment of calm, clarity, and gratitude for your day. Namaste Hazel xx
2 Comments
Amy
11/4/2021 12:19:24 pm
I loved this blog post! Thank you Hazel I feel like I’ve learnt a lot from this and look forward to practising Jnana Mudra :) would love to learn more about different Mudras as an ongoing series! xxx
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