[1] Shunmukhi or
Yoni Mudra or Closing-six doors of perception:
There
are various titles for this Mudra. This technique of Tantra is related
with six doors of perception. The shun means six which implies
here the two eyes, two nostrils (considered to be one), two ears and
mouth. These are senses through which we establish knowledge of external
world. Direct knowledge of the seen world is only through these outlets
in our body.
Awareness is externalized only by these doors. We close these sensory
outlets for internalizing the awareness for higher spiritual proposes.
This technique is from Tantra which is also called as BADDH YONI ASANA.
Here term BADDH denotes shutting off the six doors of perception.
All
the benefits of meditation whatsoever; are achieved by diligent practice
of this MUDRA. It is very easy to perform this practice. It is
remarkably effective in divulging inner treasures.
[2] Shankh Mudra or
conch-gesture:
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This word “SHANKH” derives form world’s oldest language Sanskrit. It
means in English the conch. The sound that comes from blowing the conch
is called in Bible LOGOS. It is a cosmic vibratory echo which is
omnipresent. VEDAS call this sound as OUM. Lord Krishna declares in
Bhagvad Gita “Pranavah serv vedanam” which means I am the
OUM in all the Vedic hymns.
Shankh or conch has received much significance in religion. Hindu
deities such as Lord Vishnu, Laksmi, and Shiva are depicted with conch
in their hands. Tritons in ancient European civilization would use conch
as declaration of victory. Conch’s sound is present in subtle form
inside us; it signifies an internal divine cosmic articulate utterance.
[3] Bhuchari Mudra:
Gesture of Emptiness:
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This is a very simple Mudra which can be practiced quietly even in a
crowd. It is one of simplest, superb and effective practices. One can do
it at home, office or even at play ground but if you are doing at home
it is better to do it facing to a wall.
This practice helps achieve
concentration and overcome anger. Whenever you find yourself in
stressing circumstances you undergo this practice you will experience
prompt positive effect.
[4] Mahayoni Mudra
or Superb psychic-gesture:
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This
Mudra technique is broadly practiced by TANTRIKS. The word MAHA means
superb or great and YOANI means womb, origin or root. This Mudra
deciphers the intrinsic union of human consciousness with cosmic
consciousness. It is not a mere symbol but its regular practice can
bring about tremendous change.
[5] Vajroli Mudra –
Vajra Naadi-gesture:
This term VAJROLI indicates a specific Naadi which called a Vajra Naadi.
This Naadi connects brain and genital organ. This Nadi is also a path
of consciousness which is associated with SUSHUMNA NADI. This is
directly linked with spiritual development. This Mudra helps convert sex
power into PRANA and achieve higher goals in life. It is one of very
subtle Mudra and should be learnt only from certified yoga teacher.
[6] Bhairav Mudra
Shiva’s-gesture:
Bhairav is one of many forms of Lord Shiva. This form of Shiva is
considered to be terrible and invincible. In this regard His counterpart
is called Bhairavi who is known to be an important power of existence.
Tantra system lays a distinct path that worships this form of Shiva.
There is a scripture known as BHAIRAV TANTRA. This Mudra is mainly
practiced for meditation practices. This is a most comfortable Mudra to
practice.
[7] Nabho Mudra or
Khechari Mudra:
This Mudra is an inseparable part of Kriya Yoga. Kriya Yoga is a unique
system which was launched by great Guru Shri Lahiri Mahasaya. Khechari
is a very powerful and vitalizing Mudra.
People who practice this everyday become
much focused self controlled and strong mentally. Its history is
unknown. A sect of Yogis which is known as Hath Yogis, they practice
this Mudra for controlling the breath.
It is a famous Yogic saying “control
of breath is control of death”. Person who has become master of his
breath has overcome the fear of death. Life in womb exists without
breath because fetus’s tongue by nature remains in KHECAHARI MUDRA. When
he is born first time his tongue comes out from this Mudra and he
immediately needs breathing. He is no more self sufficient.
In the two sides of our throat there
exist two organs they are called Carotid sinuses. They are situated
slightly below our jaws. They control the flow and pressure of blood in
the brain. If the blood pressure somehow goes lower then these two
organs immediately inform the brain centers. The brain then increases
contraction rate of heart beat and arterioles and consequently blood
pressure goes up. Likewise if the blood pressure goes up then these
organs act just opposite and reduce the pressure.
This Mudra exerts pressure in the
throat consequently pressure on Carotid Sinuses also increases. The word
KHE means space and CHARI means move. This means moving into space. In our head there is an empty
space behind and above our palate this is known as KAPAL KUHAR. We learn
to roll our tongue to enter this empty space. “KAPAL KUHARE JIHWA
PRAVISTA VIPRITA GA” This verse is from Hath Yoga Pradipika. It means
Khechari Mudra is in which tongue is taken back to the space behind
palate.
[8] Ashwini Mudra or
horse-gesture
The Aswini means ‘horse’. You can understand the relevance of this term
if you have seen the horse’s rectum. The horse keeps practicing this
Mudra quiet often.
He contracts and expands his rectum
repeatedly and rhythmically. Many people have feeble muscles in the
rectum which is often due to constipation and piles.
Aswini Mudra promotes the peristalsis of
our intestine and hence helps to alleviate these problems. It is much
more effective if done in combination with Shoulder Stand.
[9] Gyan Mudra or
gesture of knowledge:
It is one of Hand Mudras. Recent studies of Indus valley civilization have claimed to have found some images which are
depicted with “Gyan Mudra”. This indicates that this Mudra was common
and in practice at least 3000 years ago.
This is one of Hand Mudras which should
be adopted while doing meditation. Though in starting it may not seem
that important but from ancient times Rishis and Yogis have emphasized
hand positions during meditation and it brings marked difference which
could be realized when performed.
Hand Mudras help one awaken hidden
inherent powers. The vital energy flows out of the body through our
finger tips. Hand Mudras are created to help PRANA flow inwards and stop
from flowing outwards. The outflow of PRANA stops by uniting hands and
fingers with the knees and it starts to flow inside the body and gets
condensed.
[10] Agochari and Shambhavi Mudra or nose tip and
eyebrow center gazing.
Click Images to see full view
The AGOCHARI means unknown. This word
belongs to Sanskrit language which signifies beyond sense perception. In
another words this Mudra leads the awareness traverse the ordinary
limited sphere of awareness.
In the 6th chapter of
Bhagvad Gita Lord Krishna teaches this Mudra to Arjuna for obtaining
steadfastness of mind. This Mudra also strengthens eye muscles and helps
remarkably eradicate eye disorders, however children below eight years
of age should not attempt this Mudra without expert guidance.
Written by Dr. Rakesh Kumar Singh
[Yoga teacher]
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