Mudra Monday: Adi Mudra

This is considered the first mudra because it is the first hand position an infant is likely to make with their hands

The name for this Mudra comes from its Sanskrit roots adi, meaning ‘first’ or ‘"primal,’ and mudra, meaning ‘gesture,’ ‘mark’ or ‘seal.’ Adi Mudra is a symbolic, ritualistic gesture of the hands often used in a spiritual yoga practice to calm and quiet the mind and nervous system. It can also help prepare the practitioner for Pranayama breathing exercises.

In this Mudra, the thumb is pressed on the inside of the palm and the fingers are closed around it, making a gentle fist. Adi Mudra is also thought to stimulate the brain, which is closely related to the crown (sahasrara) chakra that governs an individual's sense of peace, higher awareness and oneness with the universe.

It is recommended to practice this particular seal in a quiet setting while meditating and focusing on the breath, with the palms facing down on the thighs in a seated pose, such as Padmasana (lotus pose). As this Mudra calms and soothes the nervous system, it can be beneficial to incorporate it at the end of an asana practice.

Elements: Air & Ether.

If you'd like to know more about Hasta Mudras you can read my introduction to the topic here and find all previous Mudra Monday blogs here.

Illustration © estudio mosa 2018