The Power of Gyan Mudra
A path to inner peace
Note: As the previous post on meditation (link), this post too was first published on Peace Revolution’s website.Â
Here it is presented with edits and some extra information.
Most of us have heard about how meditation benefits our mental health.
However, what is not very well known is that even the mudras used in meditation come with their own specific benefits.
Mudra-is the Sanskrit word for non-verbal communication in the form of hand gestures and finger postures used in Indian social life, dance, yoga and meditation practice.
Other than being used to symbolize meanings such as a greeting (two hands joined together in Nameste) or a blessing (as can be seen in the images of Buddha, all Hindu Gods and even Jesus, and other higher beings), mudras are also used in story telling, particularly in Indian dance. A simple understanding of mudras both as a form of expression and exercise helps us appreciate them in different contexts. While those used in dance performances help us better understand the story which is often told without words, we also know that even classical dance forms are a kind of a yoga, a sadhna, a meditation.
Simply trying a few of these gestures will make you realize how they not only stretch your hands but also affect different parts of your upper body: arms & shoulder etc.
The combined effect of position of the fingers and hands stimulates different parts of body and mind, which further influence the flow of prana or life-force in the body. Â
Mudras are supposed facilitate our connection to cosmic energy, thereby transforming our mental states by opening us to deeper spiritual experiences.
The simplest and possibly the most common mudra used in meditation is the Gyan (knowledge) mudra. Â
Gyan, is sanskrit for Knowledge or wisdom, and therefore Gyan mudra is commonly known as the mudra of knowledge. The mudra is formed simply by joining index finger with the thumb and relaxing the rest of the fingers, as shown in the pictures above. While Gyan mudra is often used during meditation, it can also be used to relax, as one focusses on the breath. A continued use of Gyan mudra is said to increase concentration.
To practice Gyan mudra:
Sit comfortably and make sure your back and neck are straight. Sitting in full or half padmasna (lotus pose) has an added benefit. However, it is more important to be comfortable. If you cannot sit in padmasna, use your favorite chair. You can place a cushion
Bring the tips of your index finger and thumb together, keeping the other three fingers straight but relaxed.
Place the hands in Gyan mudra, with the back of the hands on your respective knees, and palms facing upward.
Put a little pressure on joined tips and relax the rest of the hand.
Practice it for 20-30 minutes every day to improve your concentration and memory, and relieve stress.
Gyan mudra forms an energetic seal which encourages a healthy and balanced flow of prana (vital life force) in the body. The mudra is considered a symbol for  the union of Self (Atman, the soul that reincarnates), with the universe (Brahman, the all-pervading) and is said to strengthen nervous system and consequently increase mental strength, help towards concentration and improve memory.
Regular practice of this mudra is the only way to find out how it affects you.
Start a 30-day practice and keep notes in a journal of any changes you start to feel. Use the journal to also keep a track of your mental state before and after practicing the mudra, and how it impacts your sleep over a period of four weeks.
Try it, it can only help!
For anyone interested there is a free 14 day yoga challenge being offered from June 19, 2023 onwards, you can register for free: https://habit.yoga
PS: I have been following them for the last 7 days and it’s been very useful. They offer 6 different time of 45 minute session each. In addition, it seems that those who refer get some points, but that is NOT my intention. Please go to their website and see how you can bypass that option and register on your own. I am more interested in spreading the word so that more people can benefit. Grateful to my childhood friend who connected me to this group. This post was perfect to link it with yoga practice, especially as we approach the international yoga day on June 21, 2023.
Would love to hear from you, if you want to share your experience.