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Surya Mudra
The thumb presses down the finger of Earth. Fire rises and the inner sun kindles digestion and metabolism.
- Meaning
- Seal of the Sun
- Tradition
- Indian elemental hasta-mudra practice
- Hands
- Both hands, same form
- Placement
- Palms up on the knees.
- Associations
- Fire (thumb) over Earth (ring finger).
- Level
- Beginner
Formation
- Bend the ring finger until its tip touches the base (mound) of the thumb.
- Lay the thumb over the folded ring finger and press it gently.
- Keep the index, middle and little fingers extended.
- Form the same seal with the other hand.
Example Meditation
Rest the hands, palms up, on the knees in the seal. Practise the Complete Breath and feel warmth spread from the centre of the body. The seal kindles the digestive fire, warms the body and brightens alertness.
Effects
PhysicalΣῶμα
- Digestive fire. Indian sources give it for digestion and metabolism, weight reduction, the thyroid and energy.
EmotionalΘυμός
- Warmth and drive. The kindled inner fire counters heaviness and inertia.
IntellectualΝοῦς
- Alertness. With greater energy the mind wakes.
SoulΨυχή
- The inner sun. Earth is pressed under fire: the heavier element yields to the brighter one.
AscentἈνάβασις
- Helios. The Sun is the visible image of the Good in Plato's Republic. The seal turns the soul toward that light.
Finger Key
| Finger | Element | Right hand |
|---|---|---|
| Thumb | Fire | joins the ring finger |
| Index | Air | extended |
| Middle | Aether | extended |
| Ring | Earth | rests on the ball of the thumb; joins the thumb |
| Little | Water | extended |
Cautions and Variants
Caution. Indian sources advise against it in fever, pregnancy, acidity and during menstruation.
Variants. Kundalini Yoga uses the name Surya or Ravi Mudra for the tip-to-tip contact of thumb and ring finger, which is Prithvi Mudra in this collection.
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.