Mudras for Sahasrara Chakra
‘Mudra’ is a Sanskrit term that translates to ‘hand gesture.’ Mudras are precise hand gestures designed to improve the flow of energy, Prana, in the body and mind. Mudras have been used since ancient times to express deeper significance in several Hindu and Buddhist ceremonies and traditional dance forms. Mudras are part of the yogic and Vedic healing practice and they continue being practiced nowadays in yoga. When we hear the term yoga, we usually think in yoga asanas and breathing patterns or pranayama, however in any yoga practice yoga mudras or hand gestures are combined, being Namaste the most common and popular.
The term “mudra” is derived from the Sanskrit terms muda and dra, which mean “bliss dissolving,” and denotes to that which dissolves dualism and brings the Yogi and the Divine together.
Yoga Mudra is the technique that works by modifying or diverting energy flow throughout the body through hand movements along acupuncture meridians, putting our energy body into perfect harmony or balance. Because the hands contain all of the acupuncture meridians, they are regarded as the body’s control panel. The five fingers of a hand symbolize the five elements of the body, known as Pancha Mahabhutas, which are fire, water, air, sky, and earth. According to Ayurveda, these energies must be in balance for the body to be at its best health and balance.
When we place our fingers and hands in a specific way, whether we bend, press, cross, extend, or touch our fingers with the other fingers, we are actually altering the energy flow, prana, through these acupuncture points, which influences and stimulates specific areas of the brain and aids in the restoration of elemental balance in the body.
Mudras are practiced along with meditation and breathing techniques to direct the flow of energy throughout the body. It takes some time to become sensitive to the effects of these mudras. To begin, sit in a comfortable meditation posture such as Sukhasana (easy pose), Vajrasana (diamond pose), or Padmasana (lotus pose).
If you don’t feel comfortable sitting on the floor, you may sit on a chair with your back straight. It is critical to warm up your hands before executing these mudras in order to feel the feelings.
It is best to sit in a peaceful and quiet environment that is devoid of distractions. Keeping the eyes closed boosts the healing potential and allows you to observe the feelings that grow inside during the practice.
- The first step is to massage your hands together for 20 to 30 seconds to stimulate circulation. The friction will cause warmth to rise from your hands, indicating that all of the nerve endings in your hands have been activated, and thus, activating each cell associated to numerous organs.
- Place your hands on your lap, and your palms facing up; attempt to calm your mind in the serenity and silence of nature to experience the tingling or pulsing feelings in your hands and body. Uphold this posture for at least 15 seconds.
- Then, with your fingers pressed in certain patterns, execute different mudras, and apply enough pressure to feel the energy flow. Gentleness is key; little is more when it comes to mudras. Remember that you cannot damage yourself if you make a mistake, so you can relax and proceed.
Our energy body governs our physical body to a large degree. Disorders develop as a result of an imbalance in energy in the different organs and their related chakras; mudras may assist balance these energy levels and prana. Yoga mudras even when looking simple, they may be a very effective therapeutic tool.
Mudras for Sahasrara chakra leads to activate this energy center. Sahasrara chakra awakening means the manifestation of Divine Splendor and the attainment of Supreme Consciousness. Ignorance fades away with the opening of this chakra just as the night fades away with the rising of the Sun.
Below are some of the most practiced and effective Mudras for Sahasrara. It is important to note that these are the stone foundation mudras for Sahasrara from which ones many variations of mudras developed into other similar gestures, just in the same way yoga asanas are practiced in multiple variations too.
Thousand Petals mudra may create a pathway to transcendence and the divine. Sahasrara translates to “thousand-petaled” in Sanskrit. Holding this mudra high over your head may open the door to the sphere of global awareness, divinity, and transcendence ruled by the crown chakra.
Thousand petals mudra opens up a limitless dimension of understanding by bringing us closer to higher realizations and universal truths.
Procedure: Sit down to practice this mudra. Raise your hands to your chest, palms facing down. Connect the tips of both index fingers. Form a triangle by joining the points of the thumbs. Extend the other finger completely. Six inches over your head, raise the mudra. Close your eyes and imagine light pouring down from the mudra triangle into the top of your head. Chant AUM as you inhale and exhale. Meditate for 5 to 20 minutes in the morning and evening, twice a day.
Jnana mudra is a hand gesture used in yoga that denotes wisdom and knowledge. The word jnana means “wisdom” or “knowledge” in Sanskrit. Jnana mudra is one of the most often practiced mudras in meditation. This mudra represents real knowledge of existence as well as a sign of receptivity to new things.
Jnana mudra activates Sahasrara chakra and brings to balance biological rhythms, restoring peace of mind and enhancing connection with the Higher Self.
Procedure: To practice this mudra first make a circle, then tuck your index finger beneath the tip of your thumb. Extend the last three fingers. Place the backs of your hands on your thighs or knees, palms facing up. Hold on this position. Another version of this mudra is to join the tips of the index and middle fingers, producing a complete circle. When doing this mudra, keep your body aware yet relaxed, with little to no effort in your arms or extended fingers. For best results, practice this mudra for at least 15 minutes, 2-3 times every day, throughout your meditations.
Mahamayuri Mudra is a widely practiced hand gesture to open Sahasrara chakra with 92 different variations and manifold restorative and spiritual benefits.
Procedure: Interlace all of your fingers except the small fingers by keeping your right thumb over your left thumb. Allow the small fingers to contact straight up. Hold on this hand posture while being in silence or meditation.
As we have seen practicing yoga mudras regularly is surprisingly effective by just using our hands and blending the brief practice with a quiet environment, the exercise of pranayama (breathing techniques) and focusing on silence. Doing it regularly is a perfect starting point to get our Crown (Sahasrara) Chakra balanced and move forward to more advanced or alternative healing methods in this direction.
