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Order V · Seals of Breath and Mind
Brahma Mudra
ब्रह्म मुद्रा · brahma mudrā · Σφραγὶς τοῦ Δημιουργοῦ
Also: Poorna Mudra
52
Two closed fists meet at the navel. The seal of the complete breath, from the belly to the crown.
- Meaning
- Seal of Brahma, the Creator
- Tradition
- Pranayama; Gitananda Rishiculture tradition (ICYER), Art of Living
- Hands
- Both hands in Adi Mudra, joined
- Placement
- In front of the navel.
- Associations
- Navel; the whole breathing body.
- Level
- Intermediary
Formation
- Form Adi Mudra with each hand: fold the thumb into the palm, its tip at the base of the little finger, and close the four fingers over it.
- Turn the palms up so the curled fingers face upward.
- Bring the two fists together in front of the navel so their knuckles press against each other.
Example Meditation
Hold the joined fists before the navel. Practise the Complete Breath, filling the abdomen, the chest and the upper chest in one movement. The seal supports the full breath and unifies the attention.
Effects
PhysicalΣῶμα
- The complete breath. Used with Mahat Yoga Pranayama, the complete breath (ICYER); it aids a full exhalation from the abdomen.
EmotionalΘυμός
- Revitalising. Described as revitalising.
IntellectualΝοῦς
- Unified attention. Belly, chest and head are filled in one continuous movement of awareness.
SoulΨυχή
- Adi, the first gesture. Adi Mudra, the fist of the newborn, is the first gesture of life; alone it serves the upper-lung breath and calms the nervous system.
AscentἈνάβασις
- The Demiurge. Brahma is the creator. Plato's Demiurge orders the cosmos from the Good; the seal gathers the whole breath of the person into one ordered act.
Finger Key
| Finger | Element | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thumb | Fire | tucked inside the fist, its tip at the root of the little finger | tucked inside the fist, its tip at the root of the little finger |
| Index | Air | folded over the thumb; the knuckles press against the left fist | folded over the thumb; the knuckles press against the right fist |
| Middle | Aether | folded over the thumb; the knuckles press against the left fist | folded over the thumb; the knuckles press against the right fist |
| Ring | Earth | folded over the thumb; the knuckles press against the left fist | folded over the thumb; the knuckles press against the right fist |
| Little | Water | folded over the thumb; the knuckles press against the left fist | folded over the thumb; the knuckles press against the right fist |
Cautions and Variants
Variants. Adi Mudra (the single fist with the thumb inside) is included here as the component of Brahma Mudra; its form is shared by Tse Mudra (No. 55).
Recommended for Every Zevist Library
Gertrud Hirschi, Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands
The standard practical manual of the hand seals, with their indications and meditations. The Temple of Zeus recommends it as a purchase for every Zevist library, personal or communal.