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Order V · Seals of Breath and Mind
Chinmaya Mudra
चिन्मय मुद्रा · cinmaya mudrā · Σφραγὶς τῆς Πλήρους Συνειδήσεως
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The circle of Jnana Mudra with the three fingers folded in. The breath is directed to the middle of the chest.
- Meaning
- Seal Pervaded by Consciousness
- Tradition
- Pranayama; Gitananda Rishiculture tradition (ICYER), Art of Living, Yoga Vidya
- Hands
- Both hands, same form
- Placement
- On the thighs.
- Associations
- Middle chest.
- Level
- Intermediary
Formation
- Join the tips of the index finger and thumb as in Chin Mudra.
- Curl the middle, ring and little fingers into the palm.
- Form the same seal with the other hand.
- Rest the hands on the thighs, palms up.
Example Meditation
Rest the hands on the thighs in the seal. Breathe into the middle of the chest and let the ribs widen with each inhalation. The seal supports middle-chest breathing and fills the mind with steady awareness.
Effects
PhysicalΣῶμα
- Middle-chest breathing. Used with Madhyam pranayama, the middle-lung breath (ICYER); it brings awareness to the thoracic region.
EmotionalΘυμός
- Steadiness. The closed hand holds the energy in and calms.
IntellectualΝοῦς
- Awareness. The breath becomes a conscious object of attention.
SoulΨυχή
- Pervaded by consciousness. Cinmaya means made of consciousness.
AscentἈνάβασις
- OU of the sacred syllable. Yoga Vidya uses it for the OU sound of OM, the middle of the syllable that rises from the belly to the head.
Finger Key
| Finger | Element | Right hand |
|---|---|---|
| Thumb | Fire | joins the index finger |
| Index | Air | joins the thumb |
| Middle | Aether | folded |
| Ring | Earth | folded |
| Little | Water | folded |
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.