Mudra
Mudra
Mudra (/muːˈdrɑː/; Sanskrit: मुद्रा, IAST: mudrā, "seal", "mark", or "gesture"; Tibetan: ཕྱག་རྒྱ་, THL: chakgya) is a symbolic or ritual gesture in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. While some mudras involve the entire body, most are performed with the hands and fingers.
Etymology
The term 'Mudra' derives from the Sanskrit root 'mud', meaning 'to delight in' and 'dravay', meaning 'to draw forth'. It is often translated as 'seal', 'gesture', or 'mark'.
Types of Mudras
Mudras are divided into five types: Hasta Mudra (hand gestures), Mana Mudra (head gestures), Kaya Mudra (posture gestures), Bandha Mudra (lock gestures), and Adhara Mudra (perineal gestures).
Hasta Mudra
Hasta Mudras are hand gestures that are used in yoga and meditation. They are believed to influence the energy flow in the body. Examples include Anjali Mudra (salutation seal), Gyan Mudra (knowledge seal), and Prana Mudra (life force seal).
Mana Mudra
Mana Mudras are head gestures that are used in classical Indian dance. They are used to express various emotions and narratives. Examples include Shikara Mudra (spire hand), Simhamukha Mudra (lion face), and Mrigashirsha Mudra (deer head).
Kaya Mudra
Kaya Mudras are postural gestures that involve the entire body. They are used in yoga and meditation to align the body, mind, and spirit. Examples include Yoga Mudra (yoga seal), Mandala Mudra (circle seal), and Vajra Mudra (diamond or thunderbolt seal).
Bandha Mudra
Bandha Mudras are lock gestures that involve contraction and release of specific body parts. They are used in yoga to control the flow of prana (life force) in the body. Examples include Mula Bandha (root lock), Uddiyana Bandha (abdominal lock), and Jalandhara Bandha (throat lock).
Adhara Mudra
Adhara Mudras are perineal gestures that involve the pelvic floor. They are used in yoga and meditation to control the lower energies in the body. Examples include Ashwini Mudra (horse gesture), Vajroli Mudra (thunderbolt gesture), and Mula Bandha (root lock).
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mudra
- Wikipedia's article - Mudra
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