Gyan Mudra, or Mudra of Knowledge, is one of the most important mudras. It symbolizes openness to the wisdom of the Universe. Gyan Mudra practice stimulates wisdom and knowledge and evokes the most expansive version of the self, so you can flow through your life lessons with ease and calm.
In this article, I will share with you how to perform Gyan Mudra and receive its benefits.
What Is Gyan Mudra?
Gyan is a Sanskrit word that refers to ‘Knowledge’ or ‘Wisdom’. Mudra means ‘Gesture’ or ‘Symbol’.
Connecting the fingers in certain combinations, you can activate the meridians and direct energy throughout the body, restore the flow of energy and eliminate “breakdowns” in diseased organs thus improve your health.
Different positions of the fingers have the ability to close or clear the energy channels. In addition, performing mudras, we affect the biologically active points of the palms and fingers.
When performing Gyan Mudra, we use the upper phalanges of our fingers. On the upper phalanges of the fingers, there are a lot of nerve endings, which when connected to each other create something like a “short circuit of electricity”, because of which the energy does not diverge in the outer space, but is concentrated inside. It helps to create the correct redirection of energy in the body, for the control of prana, and for changing the psycho-emotional state.
To perform Gyan Mudra, we use the tip of the index finger with the tip of the thumb. And there is a reason for that.
Each finger of the hand corresponds to certain energy. And each tip of each finger is responsible for a specific part of the body.
The index finger is associated with knowledge, wisdom, and self-confidence. It is connected to our life force.
The thumb is responsible for our ego, will, and logic. Also, this finger is associated with wisdom, mind, and awareness.
By connecting the index finger with the thumb, we create a powerful gesture that activates all the components these fingers responsible for.
Also, it is important to know that each finger is associated with one of the 5 elements.
Thumb represents the Fire element (Agni).
The index finger is associated with the energy of the Air element.
Gyan mudra mainly works on increasing the Air element inside the body. Increased Air element helps the brain to work more efficiently.
Gyan Mudra Benefits
This beautiful mudra has lots of benefits. Here are some of them.
The Gyan Mudra:
- helps to eliminate stress, sadness, and sorrow;
- gives hope and confidence for the future;
- improves concentration;
- helps to process large amounts of information;
- improves memory and attention;
- stimulates the Root chakra;
- heals Kapha and Pitta Dosha;
- eases tension and depression;
- calms down;
- brings spiritual openness and ease in meditation;
- boosts the air element;
- stimulates the brain;
- empowers the mind, nervous system, and pituitary gland;
- prevents insomnia.
How to perform?
Lightly touch the tip of the thumb with the tip of the index finger, keeping the other fingers straight but relaxed. Do this with both the right and left hand and hold for at least a few minutes. In Kundalini Yoga, this mudra is usually practiced with the hands resting on the knees and the elbows straight.
When performing this mudra, it is recommended to visualize white color. For example, a white wall or a piece of paper.
You can perform this mudra with only one hand. This is especially appropriate during pranayama practice when the other hand is used to regulate breathing by pinching one nostril.
It is best to perform Gyan mudra for 30-45 minutes daily. You can also do this mudra in 3 shifts of 15 minutes.
Morning time is the best time to perform the Mudra of Knowledge.
Side Effects And Precautions
Gyan mudra mainly increases the Air element in the body. Therefore, if you have any health problems related to stomach or digestion problems, this mudra might increase these problems.
In Vata dosha, the Air element is already present. Therefore, if you have Vata dosha, perform this mudra moderately.
The Bottom Line
It is believed that Gautama Buddha practiced the Mudra of Knowledge during his meditation for the enlightenment, beneath the bodhi tree. Gyan Mudra is a great tool for deepening your meditation practice and enhancing the power of your concentration.