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Order IV · Seals of the Elements
Linga Mudra
लिङ्ग मुद्रा · liṅga mudrā · Σφραγὶς τοῦ Ὀρθίου
Also: Upright Mudra
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The clasped hands hold one thumb upright. The seal of inner heat and of resistance to cold.
- Meaning
- Seal of the Upright
- Tradition
- Indian mudra therapy (Keshav Dev); the Upright Mudra
- Hands
- Both hands, clasped
- Placement
- Before the body, seated or lying.
- Associations
- Lungs; immune system.
- Level
- Beginner
Formation
- Place both palms together and interlace the fingers.
- Keep one thumb upright (the left thumb in the common form).
- Encircle it with the thumb and index finger of the other hand.
Example Meditation
Clasp the hands with the left thumb upright, before the body. Breathe deeply and feel warmth rise through the upright thumb into the chest. The seal builds inner heat and resistance and gives an upright bearing.
Effects
PhysicalΣῶμα
- Resistance and heat. It increases resistance to coughs, colds and chest infections, loosens mucus in the lungs and raises body temperature; for respiratory complaints when the weather changes.
- Weight. After Keshav Dev it is used for weight reduction, together with plenty of water and cooling foods.
EmotionalΘυμός
- Warmth. The rising inner heat gives courage against chill and torpor.
IntellectualΝοῦς
- Uprightness. The single upright thumb is the image of a mind held straight.
SoulΨυχή
- Inner fire. Practised until one feels very warm, it gathers fire in the body.
AscentἈνάβασις
- The upright. Uprightness is the posture of the one who rises: the column set upright within.
Finger Key
| Finger | Element | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thumb | Fire | wrapped around the base of the left thumb | upright, ringed at its base by the right thumb and index finger |
| Index | Air | interlaced, the uppermost finger; closes the ring under the left thumb | interlaced; rests on the back of the right hand |
| Middle | Aether | interlaced; rests on the back of the left hand | interlaced; rests on the back of the right hand |
| Ring | Earth | interlaced; rests on the back of the left hand | interlaced; rests on the back of the right hand |
| Little | Water | interlaced; rests on the back of the left hand | interlaced; rests on the back of the right hand |
Cautions and Variants
Caution. Held too long it can cause sluggishness and lethargy; then shorten the practice and take more cooling foods and drinks.
Variants. The instruction names only "one thumb"; the common form keeps the left thumb upright, as shown.
Sources
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.