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Order V · Seals of Breath and Mind
Nasikagra Mudra
नासिकाग्र मुद्रा · nāsikāgra mudrā · Σφραγὶς τοῦ Ἄκρου τῆς Ῥινός
Also: Nasagra Mudra
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The breathing seal of the Bihar School. Two fingers rest on the eyebrow centre while thumb and ring finger govern the nostrils.
- Meaning
- Seal of the Nose Tip
- Tradition
- Pranayama; Bihar School of Yoga (Satyananda, Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha)
- Hands
- Right hand at the face; left hand on the knee
- Placement
- Right hand before the face; for long practice the right elbow may rest in the left palm.
- Associations
- Eyebrow centre; nostrils.
- Level
- Intermediary
Formation
- Extend the index and middle fingers of the right hand together.
- Rest them on the eyebrow centre.
- Place the thumb beside the right nostril and the ring finger beside the left nostril.
- Fold the little finger comfortably; rest the left hand on the left knee.
Example Meditation
Rest the extended index and middle fingers on the eyebrow centre and practise the Sun/Moon Breath, using the thumb and ring finger at the nostrils. Keep the attention at the brow. The seal steadies the breath and concentrates the mind at the brow centre.
Effects
PhysicalΣῶμα
- Nostril control. Thumb and ring finger open and close the nostrils in turn for alternate-nostril breathing.
EmotionalΘυμός
- Steadiness. The light contact at the brow keeps the head still and the practice calm.
IntellectualΝοῦς
- Focus at the brow. The two fingers at the eyebrow centre hold the awareness at that point through the practice.
SoulΨυχή
- Bhrumadhya. The eyebrow centre is the point of the third eye in yoga.
AscentἈνάβασις
- The gaze inward. Breath, attention and the point between the brows are joined: the classical preparation for meditation.
Finger Key
| Finger | Element | Right hand |
|---|---|---|
| Thumb | Fire | extended |
| Index | Air | extended, together with the middle finger |
| Middle | Aether | extended, together with the index finger |
| Ring | Earth | extended |
| Little | Water | folded |
Cautions and Variants
Variants. The name is applied inconsistently in modern sources; this is the Bihar School form.
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.