Bhumisparsha Mudra: Meaning, Benefits, and How to Do

The Bhumisparsha Mudra is a simple hand gesture that can help with many things, including stress relief. Here is some basic information on this mudra and how you can do it!

Definition: What is the Meaning of Bhumisparsha Mudra? Its References and Mythology

Bhumisparasha’s literal meaning is touching the ground. So, it is the mudra that has more emphasis on being grounded. It is sometimes also known as “Earth WitnessMudra.

If you have seen Buddha statues, you might have witnessed different hand gestures/ Hasta Mudras. Most hand gestures signify an important event of Buddha’s enlightenment journey or life.

It is believed that this is one of the Mudras that helped him achieve his enlightenment.

It is one of the Mudras which crushes every negativity which surrounds you.

It is related to Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, where he became an ordinary monk to Buddha.

It is also believed that before Buddha was about to achieve enlightenment, a demon Mara, came and tried to destabilize his meditation practice. But with the help of this mudra, he remained calm and stable, finally achieving enlightenment.

It is believed that once Buddha achieved enlightenment, he touched the earth with his right hand, and the left palm was on his lap, facing upward (towards the sky).

Demon Mara turned himself into Dharma (One’s Duty). Mara also said that this world needs Buddha. Then Mara went away with his army.

This story tells us that If we keep a calm, relaxed, and meditative stance, nothing can hinder our happiness and state of mind. This is the path to achieving Nirvana. Perseverance is a must to achieve enlightenment.

It was Buddha’s perseverance and his focus that led him to his enlightenment.

Alternate names of Bhumisparsha Mudra

Earth witnessed Mudra, Earth touching mudra, Bhumisparsha mudra of Buddha

How to practice Bhumisparsha Mudra?

  • To perform this, start by sitting in any comfortable meditative posture (Sukhasana or Padmasana). Whichever posture you find comfortable while sitting is fine. Just make sure you are keeping your spinal health in mind.
  • Keep your neck and spine comfortably erect.
  • Rest both of your palms comfortably on your knee.
  • Gently close your eyes.
  • Observe this dark space behind your eyes.
  • Breathe deeper and longer. With every passing breath makes your breathing even deeper.
  • Rest your left hand on your lap, while your left palm should face upward towards the sky.
  • Now, keep your right hand on your right knee in such a manner that your right palm is supported on your knee (facing downward) and all the fingers are touching mother earth.
  • Witness the grounding.
  • Witness your entire mind and body.

Bhumisparsha Mudra Benefits

bhumisparsha mudra benefits
  • It improves focus and concentration. It teaches the much-needed trait of perseverance. If you are aiming for something big in your life, perseverance is a must.
  • It enhances the ability to remain calm and peaceful for a longer duration of time.
  • It makes you more grounded and down to earth. You experience clarity in your thoughts.
  • If you are lacking Earth elements, then it may provide you with earth elements as well. And will remove all the Doshas relating to the Earth element.
  • You will feel less stressed and less anxious. It will improve your mental health.
  • You feel more connected to nature. You enjoy natural things more than artificial ones which will improve your physical and mental health.

Bhumisparsha Mudra Precautions and Contraindications

bhumisparsha mudra precautions

Similar to all other Mudra practices, it has no side effects.

However, there are a few things to consider.

  • Do not firmly press your fingers against each other. They should be slightly touching each other and not put excessive pressure.
  • Keep your spine comfortably erect.

When and How long to do Bhumisparsha Mudra?

  • This mudra can be practiced when you feel your internal environment is quite disturbed and you need to relax your internal self.
  • If you are aiming for something big in your life, perseverance is a must; as discussed, it is pretty helpful to learn the same.

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 hours, you can do this mudra later in the evening too.

It is recommended to practice Bhumisparsha Mudra for a minimum of 30-40 minutes daily. It’s up to you whether you wish to complete it in one stretch or in two threes that last between 10 and 15 minutes. 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 Bhumisparsha Mudra

There are three types of breathing we can practice with this mudra.

  • Abdominal Breathing
  • Thoracic Breathing
  • Yogic Breathing (Abdominal Breathing, Thoracic Breathing & Clavicle breathing.)

Visualization in Bhumisparsha Mudra

Visualize that you are sitting under the Bodhi Tree

The Tree is filling you with calmness

You are experiencing that your thoughts are becoming subtle

Affirmation in Bhumisparsha Mudra

While practicing this Keep a positive intention. Start with: I will not allow my internal world to be disturbed by anything. My internal world is peaceful and calm, and it will remain so.

Conclusion

The Bhumisparsha Mudra is a simple mudra to perform and has many benefits. If you are looking for an easy way to improve your health, this mudra may be perfect. In addition, if you want to learn more about mudras, we offer a mudra certification course where you can learn 108 different mudras.

online yoga teacher training 2024
Divyansh Sharma
Divyansh is Yoga, Meditation & Kinesiology Teacher who has been practicing Yoga and Meditation Since 2011. The Idea of correlating Yoga with Modern Sciences fascinates him the most & to feed his curiosity, he keeps on exploring new things every day. He has accomplished a Master's in Yogic Sciences, E-RYT-200, and RYT-500.

Get in Touch

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Contact on WhatsApp