We find the first written records of the mudras of Hatha Yoga in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Pradipika means the “little lamp of yoga”) and in the Gheranda Samita (the collected teachings of the sage Gheranda). Ten mudras are discussed in the first work and 15 more in the second, making a total of 25 mudras. According to these writings, the effects of the mudras extend from healing everyday complaints to maintaining youthful freshness at a ripe old age, to even determining one's own day of death. However, many yoga masters think that these promises should not be taken too literally. They say these are superficial explanations for non-initiates. The deeper aspects of the mudras are only revealed to those who seriously practice them through the guidance of a teacher.
Classical mudras are mainly used for awakening kundalini, experiencing states of expanded consciousness, or achieving enlightenment. Since such practices are like a tightrope walk and accordingly dangerous, they can only be learned with an experienced teacher. The way in which I use the mudras in daily life and present them here, they primarily serve the health of body, mind, and soul. This is reason enough for me to practice them.
Swami Satyananda Saraswati, a recognized Hindu yoga master, was the first to describe them so that even we normal mortals can do them. He also gives the advice of practicing the mudras in combination with body postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayamas) since this will considerably intensify the body and breathing work. Mudras are also the ideal preparation for meditation. Today, other directions such as Power Yoga and Kundalini Yoga, agree with his opinion.
I will first present the mudras that are practiced in the seated meditation position and then a mudra sequence.
(Gesture of knowledge and gesture of wisdom)
The only hand mudra mentioned in Hatha Yoga is found on page 3.
(The gaze into the void)
Effect: Promotes memory and concentration and calms the mind.
(Glance directed upward between the eyebrows)
Effect: I encountered this mudra at Mental Training.19 It has also been tested and found to have a very calming and stress-reducing effect. It is considered one of the most highly developed techniques of yoga. With this mudra, we are said to transcend the mental world and are able to enter into the realm of highest consciousness.
(Gaze at the tip of the nose)
Effect: This mudra promotes concentration, calms the nervous system, and stimulates the root chakra.
(The consciousness of inner space—tongue on the gums)
Effect: This is another mudra that I have encountered in Western mental techniques. It quickly brings us into a light trance, activates the brain activity, calms the emotions, and creates an inner balance. The tongue position has a positive influence on the limbic system, which is responsible for our feelings and moods. It also supports the integration of both brain hemispheres. In relation to the meridian system, the tongue on the gums activates important meridians. As a result, these experience an energy lock and charge themselves more intensely. It is worthwhile to practice this mudra a few minutes a day for a number of weeks.
(Snake breathing)
Effect: This mudra strengthens the abdomen, eliminates gases, has a cleansing effect on the digestive tract, and makes stomach complaints disappear.
(Raven beak)
Effect: The Kaki Mudra has a cleansing effect on the mouth, gums, and the entire upper digestive tract, from the stomach far into the intestines. Accordingly, it also causes the skin to become more pure. In addition, it has a calming effect on the autonomous nervous system. It also improves the sense of taste for sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. And finally, it stimulates the secretion of saliva and has a cooling effect.
(Seal of the inner source)
Effect: A wonderful silence arises and all the sensory organs become sensitized. This also achieves a quick and deliberate disconnection from outer influences.
(The mudra of peace)
Effect: Deepens the breathing. A feeling of peace may arise. This mudra also kindles the vital energy in the root chakra, distributes it throughout the entire body, and therefore helps us achieve inner strength, personal magnetism, and health, says Swami Satyananda Saraswati. You can associate an additional, very lovely spiritual aspect with this mudra when you imagine the power that rises from your root chakra to be the energy of peace. It fills your body, your soul, and your mind. By spreading your arms, you send vital energy out into the world—it becomes a gesture of blessing.
The so-called bandhas (lock exercises) are also associated with the mudras in classical yoga.
Effect: The Maha Bandha can be used for a weak bladder, hemorrhoids, constipation, descended organs, weak digestion, flat breathing, or neck tension; it has a preventive effect on these symptoms or diseases. The brain energy is also activated by the contractions of the bandha. I usually practice the Maha Bandha before meditation, which helps me go into a deeper state more quickly. It may lead to a light trance, which can sometimes be quite pleasant.
19 Gerhard H. Eggetsberger, Power für den ganzen Tag (Wien, 1995), p. 40.