About Hand Mudras

Introduction

• The term mudra (“seal,” “mark,” or “gesture”) refers to symbolic positions and practices. In non-traditional usage, the term mudra is often used to refer to hand mudras, in particular.
• See also: Mudras Introduction & Overview
• Here we will focus particularly on hand mudras, sometimes simply using the term mudra.

Traditional Indian Usage

According to Dr. David Frawley, hand mudras have been used in India in three traditional forms:

1. Raja Yoga and Hatha Yoga – To channel higher energies into the body and mind.
2. Hindu and Buddhist Rituals – To communicate with deities or their powers and to “draw divine grace in our lives.” (These “can be a part of yoga practice as well, particularly in devotional practices.”)
3. Indian Dance and Drama – Part of an artistic language that projects attitudes and emotions or represents powers or deities.