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Order IV · Seals of the Elements
Prana Mudra
प्राण मुद्रा · prāṇa mudrā · Σφραγὶς τῆς Ζωῆς
Also: Pran Mudra, Life Mudra
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The seal of life force. Thumb, ring and little fingers join and the vital energy of the root centre is kindled.
- Meaning
- Seal of Life
- Tradition
- Yoga and Indian mudra therapy; the Life Mudra
- Hands
- Both hands, same form
- Placement
- Hands resting on the thighs, or held before the body.
- Associations
- Root chakra. Indian finger lore: thumb fire, ring earth, little water.
- Level
- Beginner
Formation
- Join the tips of the thumb, ring finger and little finger.
- Keep the index and middle fingers extended.
- Form the same seal with the other hand.
Example Meditation
Rest the hands on the thighs in the seal and sit upright. Practise the Foundation Meditation and feel the vital force gather in the body. The seal increases vitality and staying power and anchors the mind in the root of the body.
Effects
PhysicalΣῶμα
- Vitality. It increases vitality and reduces fatigue and nervousness.
- Eyes. It improves vision and is used against eye diseases.
EmotionalΘυμός
- Staying power. It gives assertiveness, a healthy self-confidence and the courage to begin something new.
- Anchor. With slow, gentle, conscious breathing it is "as stabilizing and calming as a secure anchor".
IntellectualΝοῦς
- Structured thinking. A clear mind, structured thinking and the strength to see things through.
SoulΨυχή
- The root centre. It activates the root chakra and stirs the nourishing energy in the pelvic floor.
AscentἈνάβασις
- Prana, the breath of life. Prana is the life that the Gods breathed into the world. The ascent requires a body full of life; this seal fills it.
Finger Key
| Finger | Element | Right hand |
|---|---|---|
| Thumb | Fire | joins the ring finger; joins the little finger |
| Index | Air | extended |
| Middle | Aether | extended |
| Ring | Earth | joins the thumb |
| Little | Water | joins the thumb |
Cautions and Variants
Variants. Variant after Kim da Silva: the thumb rests on the nails of the ring and little fingers instead of their tips, so the two brain hemispheres work equally.
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.