Mudras
Mudras are hand positions used in meditation, breathing practice, prayer and Indian religious art. Mudra is usually translated as seal or gesture. Each page below shows how to form one gesture, what its Sanskrit name means, and how it is traditionally used. Pick one, sit comfortably, and hold it for a few minutes while you breathe slowly.
A note on evidence: mudras are often promoted to cure gas, balance the elements, boost immunity or lower blood pressure. These are traditional beliefs that haven't been shown in good-quality research, so don't use mudras in place of medical care. They are gentle and safe for most people to try. If your fingers or wrists are stiff, keep the hold light and short.
Abhaya Mudra
Abhaya Mudra
A gesture in which the right hand is raised to about shoulder height with the palm facing forward and fingers pointing u...
Adi Mudra
Adi Mudra
A hand position in which the thumb is tucked into the palm and the fingers curl gently over it to make a loose fist.
Anjali Mudra
Anjali Mudra
The palms-together gesture held at the chest, used as a greeting, at the start and end of yoga classes, and within Sun S...
Apana Mudra
Apana Mudra
A hand position in which the tips of the middle and ring fingers touch the tip of the thumb while the index and little f...
Chin Mudra
Chin Mudra
A meditation hand position with the index fingertip touching the thumb tip, the other fingers extended, and the palms fa...
Dhyana Mudra
Dhyana Mudra
A meditation hand position in which both hands rest palms up in the lap, one on top of the other, with the tips of the t...
Ganesha Mudra
Ganesha Mudra
A hand position in which the fingers of both hands hook together in front of the chest and pull gently outward while you...
Gyan Mudra
Jnana Mudra
A hand position for seated meditation in which the tip of the index finger touches the tip of the thumb and the other fi...
Prana Mudra
Prana Mudra
A hand position in which the tips of the ring and little fingers touch the tip of the thumb while the index and middle f...
Prithvi Mudra
Prithvi Mudra
A hand position in which the tip of the ring finger touches the tip of the thumb while the other three fingers stay exte...
Shuni Mudra
Shuni Mudra
A hand position in which the tip of the middle finger touches the tip of the thumb while the other three fingers stay ex...
Surya Mudra
Surya Mudra
A hand position in which the ring finger folds to the base of the thumb and the thumb rests over it, while the other thr...
Varuna Mudra
Varuna Mudra
A hand position in which the tip of the little finger touches the tip of the thumb while the other three fingers stay ex...
Vayu Mudra
Vayu Mudra
A hand position in which the index finger folds to the base of the thumb and the thumb rests over it, while the other th...