Mudra

Like the universe, the human body too is made up of Pruthvi, Apa, Tej, Vayu and Akash – the Panchatattvas (The five Cosmic Principles). These are also called Panchamahabhutas.

1. Meaning of the word mudra

Every act of the human being leads to creation of some or the other pattern of the body or the organs. So also, when fingers touch each other or are bunched or folded in a specific manner, different patterns are created. These patterns are termed mudras.

1. A. Importance of mudras in curing of diseases

Imbalance of Panchamahabhuta in the human body disrupts the immunity system and causes diseases. Maintaining the balance of Panchamahabhuta in the human body is the key to a healthy life. By using mudras, it becomes possible to maintain the balance of Panchamahabhuta in the human body easily.

1. B. Fingers that represent Panchamahabhutas

According to the Sages, Ascetics as well as Astrology, the fingers represent Panchamahabhutas. In this regard there are two schools of thought.

1. B. 1. First school of thought
A. Fingers and associated Mahabhuta : Little finger, ring finger, middle finger, index finger and the thumb represent the Mahabhuta – Pruthvi, Apa, Tej, Vayu and Akash respectively. (Reference – Holy text : 1. ‘Sharadatilak’ [The explanation in Adhyāya 23, Shloka 106] and 2. ‘Swaravidnyan’ [Chandi Prakashan, Kaul Kalpataru Chandi Karyalay, Aloti Devimarg, Prayag 122 006.])

B. The sequence of Panchamahabhutas : Pruthvitattva, the first among the Panchamahabhutas, is indicative of the sagun (Materialised) Principle. In the Principles that follow namely Apa, Tej and Vayu, the proportion of sagun reduces and nirgun (Non-materialised) increases progressively. Akashtattva, the last Principle, is indicative of nirgun tattva.

Accordingly, the sequence of Panchamahabhutas suggests passage from the sagun to the nirgun. The goal of every seeker is to perform spiritual practice and thereby, move from the sagun to the nirgun; hence, the first school of thought has been selected for the therapy.

1. B. 2. Second school of thought
A. Fingers and associated Mahabhuta : Ring finger, little finger, thumb, index finger and the middle finger represent the Mahabhuta – Pruthvi, Apa, Tej, Vayu and Akash respectively.

2. What should the position of the fingers be while making
a mudra ?

A. A mudra is made by joining the tip of a finger with the tip of the thumb of the same hand or by touching the base of a finger with the tip of other. Apply slight pressure with one finger. If applying pressure is not possible, then merely make a contact.

B. Keep the fingers other than those that form the mudra as straight as possible; however, do not try to keep them straight forcefully as you will not be able to concentrate on the Namjap.