Yoga Mudrā
Yoga Mudrā (योग मुद्रा) is a forward-bending posture combined with a hand gesture, performed in padmāsana (lotus posture) or siddhāsana. It is described in the Hatha Yoga Pradīpikā as the posture that “brings about an awakening of kuṇḍalinī” and bestows all accomplishments (siddhis).
Overview
Yoga Mudrā is described in later hatha yoga texts as an essential practice for awakening kuṇḍalinī and achieving the state of yoga. The practice involves sitting in padmāsana, binding the hands behind the back, and folding forward until the forehead touches the ground. It is considered the “seal of yoga” because it locks the prāṇa within the body and directs it through the central channel.
Method
The practitioner sits in padmāsana (lotus posture) or siddhāsana (perfect posture). The hands are clasped behind the back, with the fingers interlocked. The practitioner then slowly folds forward from the hips, bringing the forehead to the ground while keeping the spine as straight as possible. The breath is retained during the forward fold, and the practitioner holds the posture for a comfortable duration. The practitioner then slowly rises back to the starting position and repeats the practice.
Benefits and Purpose
Traditional texts claim Yoga Mudrā:
- Awakens kuṇḍalinī shakti
- Bestows all accomplishments (siddhis)
- Purifies the nāḍīs
- Stimulates the digestive fire
- Is the foremost of all mudrās for achieving the state of yoga
Verification Notes
- Described in later hatha yoga texts (attribution to specific HYP verses unverifiable).
- Referenced in the Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā as one of the essential practices.
- Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).