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Order V · Seals of Breath and Mind
Pushan Mudra
पूषन् मुद्रा · pūṣan mudrā · Σφραγὶς τοῦ Τροφέως
58
Each hand forms a different seal: one receives, one lets go. Nourishment is taken in and what is spent is released.
- Meaning
- Seal of Pushan, Sun God of Nourishment
- Tradition
- Yoga; dedicated to the sun god Pushan, god of nourishment
- Hands
- Both hands, different forms
- Placement
- Hands resting or before the body.
- Associations
- Solar plexus organs; lungs; pelvic floor; brain.
- Level
- Beginner
Formation
- Version 1, right hand: tips of the thumb, index and middle fingers on each other; ring and little fingers extended.
- Version 1, left hand: tips of the thumb, middle and ring fingers on each other; index and little fingers extended.
- Version 2, right hand: tips of the thumb, ring and little fingers on each other; index and middle fingers extended.
- Version 2, left hand: as in Version 1.
Example Meditation
Form the seal, with each hand in its own form, and sit upright. Breathe deeply and alternate the attention between receiving with the inhalation and letting go with the exhalation. The seal supports digestion and the breath and the flow between taking in and giving out.
Effects
PhysicalΣῶμα
- Digestion and breath (Version 1). It governs the absorption and use of food and helps elimination; intensifies breathing; relaxes the solar plexus, stomach, liver, spleen and gallbladder; for nausea, seasickness, flatulence and fullness after meals.
- Energy pump (Version 2). It activates the lower digestive process and elimination and is called "the general energy pump".
EmotionalΘυμός
- Receiving and letting go. One hand symbolises accepting and receiving, the other letting things flow, giving and letting go.
IntellectualΝοῦς
- Thinking (Version 2). It stimulates brain functions: concentration, memory, logic and enthusiasm.
SoulΨυχή
- Upward current (Version 2). The right hand activates the energy of the pelvic floor, the left directs it upward.
AscentἈνάβασις
- The nourishing sun. Pushan feeds the world with light. The soul that is nourished can rise; the seal keeps the exchange open.
Finger Key
| Finger | Element | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thumb | Fire | joins the index finger; joins the middle finger | joins the middle finger; joins the ring finger |
| Index | Air | joins the thumb | extended |
| Middle | Aether | joins the thumb | joins the thumb |
| Ring | Earth | extended | joins the thumb |
| Little | Water | extended | extended |
Cautions and Variants
Variants. The images show Version 1.
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.