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Order III · Seals of the Divine Powers
Ganesha Mudra
गणेश मुद्रा · gaṇeśa mudrā · Σφραγὶς τοῦ Ἐλέφαντος
32
The hooked fingers pull against each other at the heart. The seal of courage and of the strengthened heart.
- Meaning
- Seal of Ganesha, Remover of Obstacles
- Tradition
- Yoga; dedicated to Ganesha, the elephant deity who overcomes all obstacles
- Hands
- Both hands, hooked
- Placement
- At heart level, then resting on the sternum.
- Associations
- Fourth (heart) chakra; fire element.
- Level
- Intermediary
Formation
- Hold the left hand before the chest, palm outward, fingers bent.
- Hook the bent fingers of the right hand into it, the right palm facing the chest.
- On the exhalation pull gently without letting go; on the inhalation relax. Then change the hands.
Example Meditation
At heart level, hook the fingers and pull gently on the exhalation, releasing on the inhalation; then rest the hands on the sternum and change the hands. Breathe into the heart throughout. The seal strengthens the heart and the bronchi and gives courage and resolve.
Effects
PhysicalΣῶμα
- Heart and bronchi. It stimulates the heart, strengthens the heart muscles and opens the bronchial tubes; it releases tension in this whole area.
EmotionalΘυμός
- Courage. It gives courage, confidence and openness toward other people.
IntellectualΝοῦς
- Resolve. Used to encourage others to muster their courage.
SoulΨυχή
- The open heart. It opens the fourth (heart) chakra, so others are met with an open and friendly heart.
AscentἈνάβασις
- Obstacles removed. Ganesha opens every beginning by removing obstacles. The pull of the hands is the strength that clears the path upward.
Finger Key
| Finger | Element | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thumb | Fire | relaxed | relaxed |
| Index | Air | bent, hooked into the left fingers | bent, hooked into the right fingers |
| Middle | Aether | bent, hooked into the left fingers | bent, hooked into the right fingers |
| Ring | Earth | bent, hooked into the left fingers | bent, hooked into the right fingers |
| Little | Water | bent, hooked into the left fingers | bent, hooked into the right fingers |
Cautions and Variants
Variants. The two hand positions of the same exercise are sometimes listed together as the Ganesha Mudras.
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.