Mudra Monday: Shunya Mudra

Shunya loosely translates to 'empty' or 'sky' from its Sanskrit origin

In ancient texts, Shunya Mudra was cited as providing access to the realm of heaven by harnessing our inner fire (represented by the thumb) and ether energy (represented by the middle finger). As the element of space (or ether) is associated with the ears in the Ayurvedic system, practicing Shunya Mudra is thought to provide relief from a range of hearing and balance issues. Within Ayurvedic medicine, this Mudra is also thought to re-establish equilibrium to those with a vata-dominant dosha (the governing energy associated with the nervous system and waste elimination).

As with all Hasta Mudras, Shunya is particularly effective during meditation. It can be practiced while seated, prone, standing or even walking, as long as the body is relaxed and the posture is symmetrical. In this Mudra, the tip of the middle finger is placed at the base of the thumb, and the thumb presses gently on the middle finger just below the knuckle. The remaining three fingers are stretched out comfortably.

Elements: Fire and 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