The Abhaya Hridaya Mudra is a hand gesture that can be used for protection and fearlessness. Discover its meaning, benefits, and how to do it.
Definition – What is Abhaya Hridaya Mudra and its Meaning, References, and Mythology?
Abhaya Hridaya Mudra is one of the Hand gestures or seals/locks. For a better understanding of this Mudra, we will break it down into two simple Sanskrit words:
Abhaya – The Word “Abhaya” comes from a Sanskrit origin, meaning “Fearlessness.”
Hridaya – The word “Hridaya” has a Sanskrit origin. This word is used to represent “Heart.”
Mudra – As we are familiar with “Mudra,” it represents “A gesture or seal.”
This is why this Mudra is also called “Fearless Heart Gesture” or “Gesture of the Fearless Heart.” It is believed that practicing this Mudra can help to make a person bold in his life.
Abhaya Hridaya Mudra is one of the Mudras that is believed to have various benefits and can be categorized as:
- Anxiety relieving Mudra – Emotional balancing Mudra
- Cardiovascular health-improving Mudra – Stress relieving Mudra
- A Mudra that brings fearlessness
Abhaya Hridaya Mudra is one of the Samyukta Mudras, which means it is a double-handed gesture.
This gesture is known to improve energies in and around the heart. By doing so, it revitalizes the heart and its energy. Practicing this Mudra activates the Anahata Chakra that represents the heart. This Mudra increases the Oxygen flow to the heart, hence improving the heart’s functioning. As we all know, our heart communicates with the lungs to supply oxygen to our entire body. Hence, if there’s a good amount of oxygen supply in our heart, our arteries will carry more oxygen throughout, which will help to promote our health. Practicing this Mudra can help overcome common problems such as fear and anxiety, which is why it is named “Abhaya Hridaya Mudra.”
Alternate Names of Abhaya Hridaya Mudra
The gesture of the Fearless Heart, Fearless Heart Gesture.
How to Do Abhaya Hridaya Mudra?
- This Mudra needs more attention, so we advise you to practice it while assuming meditative postures( You can choose Padmasana or Swastikasana). Whichever posture you find comfortable while sitting is fine. Keep your spinal health in mind to avoid any aches and pains.
- You can try different meditation techniques. And to gain maximum benefits from this Mudra, one can assume it while practicing various Pranayama and Meditations. Even you can pair it with heart or emotional well-being-oriented meditation techniques.
- Keep your neck and spine comfortably erect.
- Rest both of your palms comfortably on your knee. Palms facing upward towards the sky.
- Gently close your eyes. And relax your body completely
- Now, bring your hands to Anjali or Namaste Mudra.
- Then, cross your left hand with your right hand and place them so that the back of your palms are stacked together.
- Next, interlace your last three fingers together very gently.
- Now finally, join the tips of your index fingers with the tips of your thumbs.
- Observe your mind and try to resolve whatever negative thoughts you come across.
- Open up your heart. And observe all the emotions that your mind comes across.
- Liberate your emotions, let them go, and breathe out.
- Inhale deeply and exhale completely. Let your exhales be slightly deeper.
- You can practice it with different Pranayama and various meditation techniques such as Humming Bee Pranayama (Bhamri Pranayama) & Chandra Bhedi Pranayam (Left Nostril Breathing).
Abhaya Hridaya Mudra Benefits
- It helps to deal with negative emotions such as anger, fear, hatred, frustration, annoyance, etc. Hence, the name Abhaya Hridaya Mudra.
- It brings peace of mind. It opens up your heart. You feel emotionally less burdened.
- It helps to let go and liberate your negative emotions; you start to enjoy every little thing in your life. You forgive people easily, which only people with strong hearts can do.
- This Mudra activates the Anahata Chakra or The heart Chakra.
- It increases oxygen flow in and around the heart, which helps to improve heart functioning.
- It is also believed to promote heart and pericardium health.
- It reduces anxiety and irritability.
- It helps to promote your overall emotional well-being. Your emotional quotient level increases after practicing this Mudra.
- It also improves digestion, as these negative emotions hinder your rest and digestion response. So, practicing this helps to resolve such issues.
Abhaya Hridaya Mudra Precautions and Contraindications
Similar to all other Mudra practices, it has no side effects.
However, there are a few things to consider:
- Have patients if you want to achieve a good result.
- Your fingers should be comfortable, do not put any excessive pressure.
- Keep your spine comfortably erect and keep spinal health in mind.
When and how long to do Abhaya Hridaya Mudra?
- This Mudra can be practiced when you feel that your anger or some negative emotion has overtaken your body.
- If you have issues related to the heart and emotions, practicing it will help.
- You can practice this if you want to a greater state in meditation.
- If you want to open up emotionally.
Morning is the ideal time to do any yoga or Mudra. In the morning, at this time during the daytime, our brain is at its best. So, you are more likely to be able to concentrate easily. Therefore, you should practice this Mudra from 4 am and 6 am to get the most effective outcomes.
If you are having difficulty with this during the morning, you can do this Mudra later in the evening too.
Practicing this Mudra for a minimum of 30-40 minutes daily is recommended. Whether you wish to complete it in one stretch or two threes that last between 10 and 15 minutes, it’s up to you. Based on research, the best way to practice an exercise for at least 20 minutes is to get the best benefits of that particular Mudra.
Breathing in Abhaya Hridaya Mudra
There are different types of breathing we can practice with this Mudra. You can start with:
- Thoracic Breathing and Abdominal Breathing with a 1:2 ratio of inhalation to exhalation.
Visualization in Abhaya Hridaya Mudra
- Visualize that you are not afraid of anything.
- You dare to dream things that others consider difficult.
Affirmation in Abhaya Hridaya Mudra
“I dare to dream. I am not afraid.”
Conclusion
The Abhaya Hridaya Mudra is a powerful hand gesture with many physical and mental benefits. That has many benefits, including reducing anxiety and promoting feelings of safety. If you’re interested in learning more about these beneficial hand gestures, consider signing up for our Mudras Certification Course. Which comprehensively covers all 108 different Mudras. This course will give you all the information you need about each Mudra and how it can improve your health. With regular practice, you’ll see an improvement in your overall well-being.
