This Brahma Mudra is named after the creator of the universe. The word “mudra” means “seal” in Sanskrit, and the Hindu deity Brahma is often depicted performing mudras. It’s an ancient yogic technique that can be practiced by beginners or advanced students of meditation.
Meaning of Brahma Mudra, Its References, and Mythology
Brahma Mudra is one of the hasta Mudras (hand gestures). It can be practiced while sitting or while practicing pranayama or meditation. However, it can also be practiced while holding a pose if the practitioner is comfortable doing so.
As per Hindu mythology, Brahma is the Hindu creator god. The word Brahma can also be translated as Supreme spirit or divine.
Mudra can be translated as Seal or gesture.
It can be practiced while sitting in a cross-legged posture (preferably the lotus pose (Padmasana) or the thunderbolt (Vajrasana pose).
The use of Hands is quite similar to that of Adi Mudra.
It gives freedom from Depression. It is also helpful for Mental as well as physical problems.
It is also known as Surya- Chandra(Sun-Moon) Mudra.
It works on specific parts of the brain. It is one of the Mudras which helps to balance all five elements in our body. It relieves neck and upper back pain.
According to Hindu Mythology God Brahma has 4 heads that point toward all four directions. When we practice this Mudra, it involves movement of the neck along with the Beeja mantra. It improves our senses as well.
Alternate names of Brahma Mudra
Surya- Chandra(Sun-Moon) Mudra, Supreme Spirit gesture.
The practice of Brahma Mudra
- It can be practiced while sitting in a cross-legged posture (preferably the lotus pose (Padmasana) or the thunderbolt (Vajrasana pose). Both of your hands should be resting on your knees while you keep your palms facing upward. Now, form the fists in your hands in such a manner that your thumbs are completely wrapped by the fingers. To do so you can:
- First, start bending your thumbs and place them close to the midline of your palms horizontally.
- Now, slowly start to curl all of your fingers so that your thumbs are completely wrapped inside.
- In addition to that, join your knuckles together.
- Now rest your hands close to the navel, on your pubic bone.
- With inhalation let the belly come out comfortably & with exhalation let the belly sink comfortably in.
Now next step begins
1 – Start to rotate your neck towards the right side. While doing so let the sound “AAAA” come out of your mouth.
2 – After this, start to rotate your neck to the left side. While doing so let the sound “OOOO” come out of your mouth.
3 – Start to bend your neck backward. While doing so let the sound “EEEE” come out of your mouth.
4 – Start to bend your neck forward. While doing so let the sound “MMMM” come out of your mouth.
While observing the sound of the Beeja mantra keep your awareness intact towards your neck and spine.
Various benefits of Brahma Mudra
- It helps in Hyperthyroidism & Hypothyroidism, as it involves movement of the neck. Our thyroid gland is located around the neck. So, it stimulates the thyroid gland as well.
- It improves spinal health, especially the cervical region located around the neck. It can prevent the chances of getting cervical spondylosis.
- Brings inner peace.
- Good for eyesight.
- It calms the imbalanced nervous system.
Precautions and Contraindications for Brahma Mudra
- Neck movement should be performed carefully. Make sure you are neither putting any strain on your neck muscles nor you are performing a jerky movement. Because if you do so it may cause neck pain.
- It is advised not to use this Mudra right after consuming the food.
- Please do not practice this Mudra for too long especially if you have a condition related to breathing.
- You do not put any stress on your stomach with your hands while practicing this Mudra.
When and how long to do it?
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 then you can do this Mudra later in the evening too.
It is recommended to practice Brahma 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.
How to breathe in Brahma Mudra?
This Mudra involves specific breathing patterns, make sure that whenever your neck is returning to the center it should happen with inhalation.
Visualization in Brahma Mudra
Visualize that you can notice the subtle vibrations that the Beeja Mantra is producing
try to be more and more mindful of that
Affirmation in Brahma Mudra
I believe in divinity and everything will be all right in my life.
Conclusion
The Brahma Mudra is a supreme spirit gesture that has many benefits for both the body and mind. This mudra should be practiced regularly to experience its full effects. If you’re looking to learn more about the Brahma Mudra or other mudras, we offer a Mudra Certification Course that will teach you everything you need to know. In addition, we have a library of 108 mudras that you can use for your practice.
