Discover what is Uttarabodhi Mudra and its benefits for the body, mind & spirit. This Mudra is used in yoga for opening the third eye and balancing various chakras of your body.
Definition – What is Uttarabodhi Mudra and its Meaning, References, and Mythology?
Uttarabodhi Mudra is one of the Hasta Mudras, hand gestures or seals/locks. Let us simplify its meaning by breaking it down.
Uttarabodhi – This word also comes from an Indian subcontinent origin that is used to represent “enlightenment.”
“Mudra” – Similar to many other Mudras here, the word “Mudra” represents “a Hand gesture.”
This Mudra is also known as “The Gesture of Enlightenment” or “The Mudra of Enlightenment.” It is believed to originate from Buddhism and shares roots with the Tibetan and Indian subcontinent cultures. It is named so because it is believed that practicing this Mudra for a long time helps bring enlightenment into the body.
This Mudra practice brings peace to mind. It is believed as an ideal Mudra for those who want to attain peace and want to experience the process of achieving enlightenment. Most of us are today familiar with the principles of Buddhism that our life goal should be to attain peace in life. We should lead a life filled with complete non-violence or “Ahimsa.” So, this Mudra practice also brings such characteristics into one’s life.
This Mudra serves a great value, especially when you are going to perform some work where you need to remain very attentive. This Mudra is believed to have refreshing properties, so those who practice it experience a better mood. Again, the key is a regular practice. You have to keep practicing it until your body learns to react faster and it learns from your experiences. As we all know, after some time of practice mind learns to associate specific characteristics with that particular activity, so similar to that, it learns to stay calm.
Alternate Names of Uttarabodhi Mudra
The Gesture of Enlightenment or The Mudra of Enlightenment.
How to Do Uttarabodhi Mudra?
- This Mudra does not require you to perform while seated in any meditative posture. You can practice this Mudra while practicing different Asanas, such as standing or sitting.
- But again, similar to many other Mudras, it is believed that to maximize the benefits of this Mudra, you should practice it during meditation. You can start sitting in Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Posture) or Padma Asana (Lotus Posture). You can even use some support to uplift your buttocks a little to help keep your spine erect.
- Rest both of your hands comfortably on your knee. Palms facing upward towards the sky.
- Take a few deep breaths and relax completely.
- Slowly join both of your palms in Anjali Mudra or Namaste Mudra.
- Then, start to interlace your last three fingers (that is, your middle fingers, ring fingers, and little fingers).
- Keep your Thumbs and index fingers comfortably extended.
- Now, point your thumbs completely downward so that your index fingers point exactly in the opposite direction (Vertically Upward) and your thumbs point vertically downward.
- Keep your neck and spine comfortably straight.
- Entirely and comfortably close your eyes.
- Practice deep breathing.
- You can assume this Mudra while practicing different forms of meditation and pranayama. Try to practice it as long as possible without hindering your mind’s peace.
Also See: 200 Hours Online Yoga Teacher Training
Uttarabodhi Mudra Benefits
- This Mudra helps to keep the mind refreshed, especially when you are going to perform a task that requires too much attention.
- It energizes the body, soul, and mind.
- It helps to keep the mind in a very peaceful state.
- The sole reason we call this Mudra “The Mudra of Enlightenment” is because practicing this Mudra for an extended period would eventually lead a practitioner to a state of enlightenment.
- This Mudra helps to keep lesser thoughts.
- This Mudra enhances the ability to make the right decisions. This benefit is also based on my own experience with this Mudra. After assuming it, I tend to make better decisions in my life.
- It helps us to live longer.
- It improves the immunity of the body.
Uttarabodhi Mudra Precautions and Contraindications
- Drink adequate water while practicing but make sure not to take excessive water. For a healthy adult, 2-3 Litres of water a day is enough.
- Make sure that you are not putting excessive pressure on your fingers.
- Practice it in meditative postures to gain maximum benefits.
- Make sure to remain active throughout the day. Do not stay in a single place for too long.
- Experts recommend practicing this Mudra daily to achieve better results.
When and how long to do Uttarabodhi Mudra?
- This Mudra can be practiced when you feel you need to refresh your mind, body, and soul.
- If you want to improve your decision-making.
- If you want to attain enlightenment.
- You can practice it to remain attentive.
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 20-40 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 Uttarabodhi Mudra
To enhance your practice, you can practice breathing techniques with this Mudra:
- Abdominal breathing, when you inhale, let the belly come out, and when you exhale, let the belly relax comfortably.
Visualization in Uttarabodhi Mudra
- Visualize that you are a tree, a tree full of life.
- You are a giver; you do not feel disheartened.
- You stand at your place, unaffected by the weather.
- You are calm.
Affirmation in Uttarabodhi Mudra
While practicing this, Keep a positive intention. Start with:
“I am a giver. No one can make me feel disheartened, and I am full of life.”
Conclusion
The Uttarabodhi Mudra is a beneficial Mudra used in meditation or yoga. It has many benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving concentration, and increasing clarity and peace of mind. If you’re interested in learning more about Mudras and how to use them, consider taking our Mudras Certification Course. This course will teach you all 108 Mudras and their benefits so that you can incorporate them into your practice.
