IMPORTANCE OF MUDRAS

Through mudras fortitude is acquired. Mudras are postures of the body that have influence on the energy of the body and mind. Most of themudras are practised along with pranayama, which has an effect on the psychophysical system. If done regularly, they open the channel of the spine and give experiences of higher states of consciousness.

Physical effect of the bandhas and certain mudras in conjunction with the pranayama directly influence the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, adrenals, pancreas, gonads and cervix. For example, uddiyana and mula bandhas are useful in stabilising menstrual periods, regulate the endocrine glands as well as certain biorhythms in the body. When performed correctly and regularly, they lower respiration and heart rate, induce calmness and relaxation, produce alpha state brainwave by slowing the nervous system activity.

Mudras are the most effective postures, in alleviating and preventing dyspepsia, constipation, piles, cough, asthma, enlargement of spleen, and all sorts of incurable diseases.

Maha Mudra, Maha Bandha and Maha Vedha belong to one category since they are like three stages of one exercise. Similarly, mala bandha, uddiyäna bandha and jalandhara bandha form a group. They all have to be practised on an empty stomach. Real success in mudrascan be had when they are done with full awareness combined withasanas and pranayamas.

Abhinavagupta states about mudras in his Tantraloka:

“I now give exposition on the mudra as received from guru tradition. Mudra, posture, is the reflection of the Self belonging to and hence also emerging out of the same as per the possibility of interpreting the compound pratibimbatma both as an ablative or relative according to its formulation in the Yämala known as Devi. (1)

…..

As it offers the delight of self-realisation through the medium of the body, it has been called in the scriptures as such. (3)"

(Abhinavagupta’s Tantraloka, Chapter 32, verses 1 & 3)

NOTE:
The word mudra is formed out of the roots mud + ra. Mud means to experience delight while ra means to offer. Thus, the word mudrameans that device which offers the delight (of self-realisation).

Excerpt from the Book:Yoga From Confusion To Clarity,

 

Mudras referred in Upanisads and yogic texts can be classified as follows:

I. Mudras that utilise eyes, ears, nose, tongue and lips are basically meditation methods. They are as follows:

(1) Sambhavi Mudra

(2) Nasikagra Mudra

(3) Khechari Mudra

(4) Bhucari Mudra

(5) Akashi Mudrä

(6) Sanmukhi Mudra

(7) Unmani Mudra

(8) Nabho Mudra

(9) Pancatattva Mudra

(10) Sakticalani Mudra

(11) Manduki Mudra



II. Mudras that utilise physical postures combined with breathing and concentration are known as postural mudras. They are:

(1) Prana Mudra

(2) Viparita Karani Mudra

(3) Yoga Mudra

(4) Pasini Mudra

(5) Tadagi Mudra

(6) Matangini Mudra

(7) Kaki Mudra

(8) Bhujangini Mudra



III. The practices that combine mudra and bandhas are called bandha mudras. They unite prana and apana and are the following:



(1) Maha Mudra

(2) Mahabheda Mudra

(3) Mahabandha Mudra


IV. Mudras in which by exercising pressure on the anus (anal sphincter muscles) as the resortof the muladhara cakra, the vital breath known as apana is raised are called adhara mudras. This category consists of:


(1) Asvini Mudra

(2) Vajroli/Sahajoli Mudra


They are practised after asanas and pranayama.



BANDHAS AND MUDRAS:

They do not have distinctive difference between them. Bandhas are effective during the practice of pranayama.


NOTE ON BANDHAS AND MUDRAS:

• Maha-mudra, mahabanda mudra and mahaveda mudra belong to one group.
• Similarly, the three bandhas, namely, mula, uddiyäna and jalandhara form a group. Inpranayama, mula bandha is practised during inhalation retention and exhalation,uddiyana after exhalation and jalandhara during retention of breath.
• Mudras and bandhas are to be practised when the stomach is empty and this rule should also be adhered to in asanas and pranayama as well as yogic kriyas.
• Khecari mudra should be learnt under the guidance of one who is an expert in it as also vajroli and sakti calana.
• Nabhomudra is substitute of khecari mudra.
• Séta karma and vyuta karma are also called matangini mudra.
• Asvini mudra is preparatory to mula bandha.
• Tadagi mudra is also known as uddiyana bandha.