What is a Mudra?

A mudra is a gesture used in various Hindu and Buddhist traditions to represent or activate a specific energy. Mudras with the hands, known as hasta mudras, are the most common and well-known of these gestures. While some mudras are used ritualistically, others are used to enhance our yogic practice. The Bandhas, for example, are mudras. So what is mudra?The literal meaning of the word mudra is “mark” or “gesture”.

For many people in our modern Western world, the idea of a hand-sign or gesture holding power is very foreign and esoteric. Still, if we look around, we can see many examples of “mudras” in Western tradition, both past and present.

Examples of Mudras

Mudras are used throughout various forms of Buddhism, Hinduism, and also within yogic practice. For example, Gyana Mudra , is the mudra where the thumb and forefinger are brought together, while the rest of the hand remains open. The three extended fingers in this mudra represent the three gunas. The circle created with the thumb and forefinger represents the joining of the soul with the universe. 

Another example of a mudra is Anjali Mudra, or Namaskara mudra. Here, the palms of the hands are brought together with the fingers extended, usually in front of the heart’s center. This mudra is a common form of greeting across many Asian cultures. Usually accompanied by the greeting “Namaste”, it is a way to show respect to the person you are addressing.

While these mudras are both fairly common, there are a lot of mudras that are far more obscure. Khechari mudra involves folding the tongue backwards in the mouth to touch the uvula. Ancient sources suggest cutting a slit in the frenulum (beneath the tongue) in order to allow the tongue enough flexibility to do this.

Controversy with Mudras

Mudras may seem innocent enough, but they are not without their controversy in Western culture. Some misconstrue the meaning of mudras to be religious, and therefore shy away from these postures. Anjali Mudra for example, is very similar to the Christian position for prayer. The truth is that the mudras are physical positions. They are meant to influence the flow of energy throughthe body. They’re not related to prayer or devotion to any specific god or deity.

One mudra in particular, Vajroli Mudra is very infamous among Westerners due to its sexual connotations. This mudra involves withholding from ejaculation in order to help facilitate Kundalini energy. Written about by the American Ida Craddock in the late 19th century, The graphic discussion of this practice, along with others explored in her writing, led to her imprisonment for obscenity. Many people in both the East and West are still shy to discuss this ancient practice.

What is Mudra, Modern “Western” Mudras

What is mudra in the Western World? If you have trouble imagining how a hand symbol can hold so much symbolism and power, consider these examples of powerful gestures from our modern culture. Try to notice your own feelings, reactions and associations with these types of gestures.

Victory or peace sign

The original usage of this mudra can be traced back as far as the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. During World War II the symbol was adopted as a V for victory. Winston Churchhill can be seen using the V as a rallying call. After World War II, it was also popularly adopted as a symbol for peace by Americans protesting the Vietnam war. This is where its association with peace comes from. Many famous celebrities and politicians can be seen displaying this sign.

In almost direct opposition to this symbol of peace is Hitler’s salute from Nazi Germany. The straightened arm and palm is immediately recognizable as a “Heil”. Even in modern times, the use of this gesture is often newsworthy, especially when it’s in the public eye.

Music Industry

The peace sign is also a common staple of the music industry. The Beatles had a role in popularizing this sign. It is also used by famous musicians such as Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendricks, and countless more across every genre.

Other hand gestures popularized by the music history include the “horns” hand symbol. This symbol of rocking out is formed by tucking the middle and index finger and holding them in place with the thumb. The symbol may have pagan origins, and in some cultures is meant to ward off bad luck, or the devil himself. Other cultures use the symbol as a gesture of obscenity, with the same horned implications.

Divisive, even today

Gene Simmons of the band Kiss tried to trademark the “devil horns” symbol, but withdrew his application in 2017 after his attempts were heavily criticized by both the public and others in the music industry. 

Beyonce and Jay-Z also came under fire for a modern “mudra”. The symbol for Jay-Z’s record company Roc-a-Fella is formed by bringing the thumbs and forefingers together while all the fingers on both hands are straightened to form the shape of a pyramid or triangle. This is commonly believed to be a symbol of the “Illuminati”.

Find out more

Check out this article on Bandhas, for more information on how physical postures and alignments can affect energy flows.

Give us a wave

We’re sure that waving cannot be misunderstood, we’d love you to give us a virtual one! If you have any thoughts on mudras, write a comment below and share this article with any friends who you have your own secret mudra with!

About the author 

Doug Duchon is taking the 300 hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training at the Doron Yoga & Zen Center in Guatemala. He has spent 4 months of living and working for Doron in Guatemala. Doug’s other training includes 200h Bhakti Vinyasa, 50h Yin and Restorative, and 50 hour kirtan training from Govind Das at Bhakti Yoga Shala in Santa Monica, California. 

Doug writes about how yoga can be integrated into the modern workforce and used to achieve a better work-life balance. Before becoming a yoga teacher he spent 10 years working as an engineer in various industries including Aerospace where helped build rockets and spacecraft for NASA’s astronautical programs.

Instagram: @updougyoga