Mudras for Modern Life

Swami Saradananda

First published in the UK and USA in 2015 by
Watkins, an imprint of Watkins Media Limited

19 Cecil Court

London WC2N 4EZ

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For copyright of other photographs see page 160 which is to be regarded as an extension of this copyright

The right of Swami Saradananda to be identified as the Author of this text has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act of 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

Development Editor: Kelly Thompson

Senior Editor: Fiona Robertson

Editor: Susannah Marriott

Design and Art Direction: Georgina Hewitt

Picture Research: Jennifer Veall

Production: Uzma Taj

Commissioned Photography: Christina Wilson

Commissioned Artwork: Hannah Davies

A CIP record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN: 978-1-78028-998-4

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Typeset in Agenda

Colour reproduction by XY Digital

Printed in China

Publisher’s note: The information in this book is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment. If you are pregnant or are suffering from any medical conditions or health problems, it is recommended that you consult a medical professional before following any of the advice or practice suggested in this book. Watkins Media Limited, or any other persons who have been involved in working on this publication, cannot accept responsibility for any injuries or damage incurred as a result of following the information, exercises or therapeutic techniques contained in this book.

If you are taking medication, please do not stop taking it when you begin to work with mudras – and consult your healthcare professional if you plan to stop or alter your medication. If you spend most of your day with your hands on a computer keyboard, you may find some of the mudras, such as Mandala Mudra (see page 147) or Swadhisthana Mudra (see page 114), especially demanding. Even some simple gestures, such as Chin Mudra (see page 62), may be difficult or even painful to hold if you suffer from repetitive stress injuries, rheumatoid arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Discontinue any mudra that causes pain, soreness or aggravates symptoms.