Mudras are energetic seals, sparking a circulation of an intentional energy based on the gesture or placement of the hands and or body.
In Prana Vinyasa yoga we see yoga poses as full body mudras along with hand positions as mudras. Similar to the entire body, each finger represents a different element and energetic quality so when fingers connect to another fingers in different ways it creates a seal or pathway for energy alchemy to flow. This can result in shifts in our hearts and mental state and has the ability to deepen meditation, enhance specific states of being within us and assist in life challenges.
Here’s my favourite five mudras for Mah Durga. See below for pics of each one!
Durga is well known in yoga as the Goddess of fierce protection and courage who rides a tiger, weilding multiple weapons of consciousness and will happily slay any demon (egoic tendency) which hinders joy. Along with Saraswati and Lakshmi, she’s a favourite for sure!
These mudras can be enjoyed in seated meditation for as long as feels good for you, We’ll be exploring these and other embodiment practices during the online session for Mah Durga on Sunday 21 August. The more you practice a mudra, the more acquainted you’ll be with the energetic state of being and feel its benefits.
Vira Mudra
How to: Wrists crossed, thumb and index fingers connected in Jnana mudra, remaining fingers extending to the sky and palms facing away from each other.
Intention and benefits: Grounding into your warrior essence, staying true to your hearts calling and igniting self empowerment.
Shiva Lingham Mudra
How to: Left palm facing up and right hand in a fist with the thumb extending towards the heart.
Intention and benefits: Focuses the mind, connects the passionate fire in the belly with the blooming lotus in the heart and enhances self confidence.
Agni Mudra
How to: Hands in prayer position, interlock the last three fingers and cross the thumbs with the index fingers extending towards the heart and heavens.
Intention and benefits: Actives inner power, cuts through illusion, deepens heart fire connection and attracts samskaras (shadows) into the light.
Fierce Heart Mudra
How to: Wrists crossed in with palms facing away from each other. Interlock the little fingers, ring fingers and middle fingers. The index and thumbs touch in Jnana mudra and elbows flaring away from each other.
Intention and benefits: Illuminates the compassionate qualities of the heart, shields the heart lotus from outside influences and elevates joy.
Tridevi and Abhaya Mudra
How to: Thumb and little fingers connected on both hands with the remaining fingers extending away. The right palm is facing forward with fingers pointing up. The left palm is facing forward with fingers pointing down.
Intention and benefits: Connects you the Tridevi qualities of creative wisdom (Saraswati), abundance (Lakshmi) and fierce courage (Durga) in a peaceful and benevolent way.
Chant Om Dum Durgayei Namaha! to deepen your connection to Mah Durga and receive her blessings!
If you’d like to know more about Mah Durga and her stories of how she came to be, what her weapons represent and her purpose in Hindu philosophy and Tantric cosmology, join us for this online course! If you missed out and would like the recording let me know.
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