Gyan Mudra or Chin Mudra: Wisdom at Your Fingertips

Gyan mudra, chin mudra or wisdom at your fingertips, here is a simplified explanation of the benefits of this mudra. Indeed, the practice of this mudra aims to help the yogi in his awakening to the knowledge of the Self and the Universe . This gesture which is carried out using the thumb and index finger invites the individual to connect with the Universe. The one who succeeds in this reaches a certain level of wisdom and is this not what yoga teaches us? Chin mudra or gyan mudra : let's discover their meaning, their nuances or how to perform them and their benefits.

Gyan Mudra or Chin Mudra, what is their meaning?

In Sanskrit, it is not uncommon to see a term spelled in several ways. Gyan Mudra and Chin Mudra have, with one nuance, the same meaning, " gyan " is also written as " jnana ", they have the same meaning. Thus, for this same mudra, three different words can express it: Gyan mudra, Chin mudra or even Jnana mudra, but, they represent the same mudra.

A quick reminder : “ mudras ” are symbolic hand positions. This Sanskrit term means “seal” or “sign,” but also “symbol.”

Gyan or jnana, on the other hand, translates to “consciousness”. Gyan mudra is therefore the mudra of full consciousness and therefore of wisdom .

Why join thumb and index finger in Gyan Mudra?

Indians have long known the importance of mudras. These technical gestures, performed by bending and crossing our hands or touching our fingers, act directly on vital energy, the physical body and the mind.

As you probably know, our hands and feet are full of nerve endings. These energy channels influence our physiological and psychological state. It is not surprising that chin mudra can help to connect to the Universe. Isn't that the goal to achieve in full meditation?

In the Vedic tradition, each finger of the hand represents one of the 5 elements of the universe:

• the thumb represents “ agni ”, fire;
• the index finger represents “ vayu ”, air;
• the middle finger represents “ akasha ”, the ether;
• the ring finger represents ' prithvi ', the earth;
• the little finger represents “ jala ”, water.

In another aspect, joining the thumb and index finger with gyan mudra is to unify the individual consciousness ( atman ) symbolized by the index finger with the universal consciousness ( Brahman ) or the divine symbolized by the thumb. In this state of meditation, the soul is then one with the Universe , wisdom and inner peace are found for those who practice it.

To put it more simply, joining your thumb and index finger together in chin mudra, during your meditation and relaxation sessions, allows you to chase away the negative to make way for the positive energies that surround us.

Performing Gyan Mudra or Chin Mudra: Two Different Techniques

In reality, the practice of Gyan Mudra and Chin Mudra are two different techniques, even if it is the same mudra the exercise is nuanced according to the position of the hands. Depending on the desired effect to find inner peace, you will be careful to choose between gyan mudra or chin mudra and position your hands differently.

Gyan mudra or jnana mudra towards understanding the Universe

Gyan mudra or jnana mudra is a call to understanding the Universe. It is therefore practiced with the palms of the hands facing the sky. It is an invitation to universal consciousness .

To let the energy flow, join your thumb and index finger together, applying light pressure. Palm facing upwards, the other fingers of the hand are relaxed. This mudra accompanies your breathing exercises and meditation sessions.

Chin mudra towards understanding the Self

Chin mudra, on the other hand, is also practiced by joining the thumb and index finger, but this time with the palms of the hands facing the earth. In this case, it is a call to understanding the Self .

It invites concentration and knowledge of the inner Self. Gyan mudra and chin mudra are a valuable aid to achieve a high level of wisdom , this ultimate quest that yoga teaches us.

Choose the correct position of the thumb and index finger depending on the desired effect

Place the thumb on the index finger or the index finger on the thumb, here again the gesture is nuanced according to the desired goal. To work on self-esteem and strengthen self-confidence , place the index finger on the thumb.

Conversely, when the goal is to calm the ego or in a quest for humility , the thumb is placed on the index finger. If these details may seem unimportant, on the contrary, the energy flow is not the same, the message sent to the Universe is therefore different, by force of circumstances its effects will be too.

Chin Mudra, wisdom at your fingertips and its other benefits

If chin mudra and gyan mudra represent wisdom at the fingertips , many other benefits are attributed to them. Because before acquiring wisdom, man must heal his wounds and find peace between his ego and his soul.

Just like asanas, mudras allow for better circulation of energies. Thus, they complement breathing exercises ( pranayama ) or postures. Mudras are common in Hatha yoga.

Chin mudra and gyan mudra are beneficial, by practicing them the yogi improves his prana (vital energy). The benefits of this technique allow:

• to chase away the negative to make room for the positive, it is peace found;
• to fight against anxiety, stress or anger and anything that could torment the mind;
• to improve concentration , this mudra also works on memory;
• to cure body ailments, digestive disorders, pain, headaches;
• to improve one's knowledge to raise one's consciousness .

As you will have understood, more than an exercise, the practice of gyan mudra and chin mudra is a goal, a quest to achieve. The individual and the Universe become one, those who practice jnana mudra thus find wisdom through universal consciousness. Try it when you meditate, let this energy circulate and let yourself be invaded by its benefits. You will not be able to do without it.