What the Hamsa?
The Hamsa is one of the most sacred symbols in Indian culture. Indians call Hamsa, "Humsa Hand" and is a culturally adored symbol.
The five fingers in the hand of Hinduism represent the five elements of nature and the five energy centers of the body (chakra centers).
The Hamsa, in Hinduism, is one of the common Mudras. These energies flow continually up and down throughout the body. Mudras are considered an "energetic seal of authenticity".
MUDRAS AND HAMSA
In Hinduism, hands are considered a great source of healing. Movement of the hands in mudra is a symbolic language. It is believed that many diseases or illness (from your basic cold to cancer) have their roots in stress and sadness; and these diseases are rooted in our subconscious minds.
In the practice of Yoga or the spiritual realm, incorporating a meditation practice with use of Mudras can alter your mood and spirit, potentially preventing disease and illness. This can be especially effective when combined with the practice of Pranayama (breathing exercises) and are generally done in a comfortable seated position, but can also be done while laying down.
Mudras are performed with hands and fingers and are usually combined with movements; they sometimes can involve the entire body. They are often used in ceremonies and with dance. Mudras act to stimulate different parts of the body involved in breathing and are meant to affect the flow of energy and alter your emotional state. Mudras help manipulate the mind-body connection as each part of the hand corresponds to a specific area of the body or mind.
Each finger is said to represent a different energy and element:
1. Thumb (Agni Tattava) is the Fire element, located in the Solar Plexus (Manipura) Chakra
(space under the breastbone to the belly button).
2. Forefinger, index/pointer finger (Vaayu Tattava) is the Air element, located in the Heart
(Anahata) Chakra.
3. Middle Finger (Akasa Tattava) are the Ethereal elements, located in the Throat
(Vishudda) Chakra.
4. Ring Finger (Prithivi Tattava) is the Land element, located in the Root
(Muladhara) Chakra (the space between the anus and genitals - perineum)
5. Pinkie Finger (Apas Tattava) is the Water element, located in the Sacral (Svadhisthana)
Chakra (the abdominal region)
Mudras act as "locks" to guide the flow of energy to certain parts of the body. From a more spiritual perspective, using particular mudras can be a means of outwardly representing your inward intentions. It is possible that meditating on a specific mudra can assist in manifesting certain energies, visions or devotions into your life. They can assist us in seeing our truth. When you bring your hands into a mudra you are creating a physical connection with something you desire.
There are many very simple mudras.
How to Start
In Hinduism, hands are considered a great source of healing. Movement of the hands in mudra is a symbolic language. It is believed that many diseases or illness (from your basic cold to cancer) have their roots in stress and sadness; and these diseases are rooted in our subconscious minds.
In the practice of Yoga or the spiritual realm, incorporating a meditation practice with use of Mudras can alter your mood and spirit, potentially preventing disease and illness. This can be especially effective when combined with the practice of Pranayama (breathing exercises) and are generally done in a comfortable seated position, but can also be done while laying down.
Mudras are performed with hands and fingers and are usually combined with movements; they sometimes can involve the entire body. They are often used in ceremonies and with dance. Mudras act to stimulate different parts of the body involved in breathing and are meant to affect the flow of energy and alter your emotional state. Mudras help manipulate the mind-body connection as each part of the hand corresponds to a specific area of the body or mind.
Each finger is said to represent a different energy and element:
1. Thumb (Agni Tattava) is the Fire element, located in the Solar Plexus (Manipura) Chakra
(space under the breastbone to the belly button).
2. Forefinger, index/pointer finger (Vaayu Tattava) is the Air element, located in the Heart
(Anahata) Chakra.
3. Middle Finger (Akasa Tattava) are the Ethereal elements, located in the Throat
(Vishudda) Chakra.
4. Ring Finger (Prithivi Tattava) is the Land element, located in the Root
(Muladhara) Chakra (the space between the anus and genitals - perineum)
5. Pinkie Finger (Apas Tattava) is the Water element, located in the Sacral (Svadhisthana)
Chakra (the abdominal region)
Mudras act as "locks" to guide the flow of energy to certain parts of the body. From a more spiritual perspective, using particular mudras can be a means of outwardly representing your inward intentions. It is possible that meditating on a specific mudra can assist in manifesting certain energies, visions or devotions into your life. They can assist us in seeing our truth. When you bring your hands into a mudra you are creating a physical connection with something you desire.
There are many very simple mudras.
How to Start
1. Either sit in a comfortable, cross-legged position, or in lotus (padmasana) or in a chair,
sitting upright.
2. Rub the palms of your hands together vigorously for about 5 seconds and then place your
hands over your Sacral Chakra (abdominal region) to bring about the flow of energy to
your hands.
3. Exert sufficient pressure to feel the flow of energy but not so much that your fingertips
sitting upright.
2. Rub the palms of your hands together vigorously for about 5 seconds and then place your
hands over your Sacral Chakra (abdominal region) to bring about the flow of energy to
your hands.
3. Exert sufficient pressure to feel the flow of energy but not so much that your fingertips
whiten.
4. Hold each mudra for at least a couple minutes, but 10-15 minutes is more effective. It is
beneficial to meditate as a means of starting your day and closing your day; allowing you
space to create loving intentions for how you would like your day to present itself, and
then before bed for how you wish your body to rest.
Yoga Mudra: Sitting in a comfortable seated position, backs of your hands resting on your knees, palms facing up. Lightly touch the thumb and index finger together, keeping your other fingers long and together. Sitting up tall from the base of your spine, rooting your sit bones into the mat, growing tall from the crown of your head. Lightly tucking your chin towards your chest, keeping your gaze soft towards the tip of your nose. Focus on your breath. Envision your intention cultivating into your day or night; cultivating it in your life.
Dhyani Mudra: Sitting as above, placing your left hand in your right, palms facing up, bringing your two thumb tips to touch.
Atmanjali Mudra: Placing your palms together in "Namaste" where the hands are placed at your heart center, palms touching.
There are many mudras and their meanings on-line. Find your special mudra, couple a mantra . . . even simple phrases such as "I am peace" - Inhale "I am", Exhale "Peace", and use your breath as a tool to keep you focused on your intention or mantra to cultivate whatever it is that you are wanting to bring more centered in your life.
There are many mudras and their meanings on-line. Find your special mudra, couple a mantra . . . even simple phrases such as "I am peace" - Inhale "I am", Exhale "Peace", and use your breath as a tool to keep you focused on your intention or mantra to cultivate whatever it is that you are wanting to bring more centered in your life.
Om Namah Shivaya
~Jen
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