MUDRAS

IN BRIEF

BY KRISHNAA KINKARI

Asanas are the result of detailed observation of the varied forms of nature by the Ancients.

In Sanskrit animals are embodied souls with horizontal digestive systems.

Humans practicing yoga spend some time horizontal, harnessing the earth’s stability to correct their spinal posture. With improved postural, comes improved health. Practicing the asana regularly improves the flow of blood, lymph, oxygen and prana throughout our body, as well as the elimination of waste.

The benefits are all the greater if we practice with a sense of gratitude to the Ancients, to the inspiration of nature, to our teachers and to their teachers.

We might even say the history of asana begins with the creation itself in all its multifaceted wondrousness. We must keep these gifts pure.

DHYANI - MUDRA OF CONTEMPLATION 1.Sit in your best asana for meditation, with an upright spine and maintain stillness.

2. Emphasize your exhale a few times to release mind-bred intention.

3. Clasp the fingers of both hands together, place them in the lap with palms upwards.

4. Join the tips of the two thumbs with a light and sensitive touch.

Here you may enjoy the subsequent balance of the body and mind as they merge into the peace that ensues. Use minimum effort for maximum effect.

Inspiration and motivation can enter an uncluttered mind. Observation of the world around is no longer prejudiced. Perhaps this is how the Ancients learned so much from observing the natural world. With a clean heart they accepted completely and strived to share this wisdom with us even to this day.