Yoni Mudra

Yoni Mudra (योनि मुद्रा) is a hand gesture and sense withdrawal practice in which the thumbs close the ears, the index fingers close the eyes, and the remaining fingers cover the mouth and nose. It is also known as Shanmukhi Mudra (six-faced mudra) and is used for pratyahara (sense withdrawal).

Overview

Yoni Mudra is described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and other classical texts as a technique for withdrawing the senses from external objects and directing awareness inward. The name “yoni” refers to the source or origin, symbolizing the withdrawal of consciousness back to its source. The practice is considered essential for meditation and is a preliminary practice for nada yoga (the yoga of sound). By closing the major sense organs, the practitioner creates a state of inner silence in which subtle internal sounds become perceptible.

Method

The practitioner sits in a comfortable meditative posture. The thumbs gently close the ears, the index fingers rest lightly on the closed eyelids, the middle fingers rest on either side of the nose, and the ring and little fingers rest above and below the lips respectively. The fingers apply gentle pressure, not force. The practitioner then turns attention inward, listening for the internal sounds (anahata nada) that arise in the silence. The practice is maintained for 5-15 minutes.

Benefits and Purpose

Traditional texts claim Yoni Mudra:

• Facilitates pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
• Calms the mind and reduces external distractions
• Activates nada yoga (the yoga of internal sound)
• Enhances meditation and concentration
• Leads to the experience of inner silence and peace

Verification Notes

• Described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Chapter 4, on pratyahara) as Shanmukhi Mudra.
• Referenced in the Gheranda Samhita and other classical texts.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).