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Order I · Seals of Gnosis and Ascent
Uttarabodhi Mudra
उत्तरबोधि मुद्रा · uttarabodhi mudrā · Σφραγὶς τῆς Ὑπερτάτης Φωτίσεως
06
The lightning rod of the spirit. Index fingers rise to Heaven, thumbs point to the Earth, and the joined hands conduct the universal force inward.
- Meaning
- Seal of Supreme Enlightenment
- Tradition
- Buddhist iconography (Shakyamuni and Vairocana); yoga
- Hands
- Both hands, interlaced
- Placement
- In front of the solar plexus.
- Associations
- Metal element; lungs and large intestine.
- Level
- Advanced
Formation
- Fold the hands together in front of the solar plexus, at stomach level, interlacing the middle, ring and little fingers.
- Extend both index fingers and lay them against each other, pointing up to the ceiling.
- Lay the thumbs against each other, pointing down to the floor or the stomach.
- Lying down, the thumb tips may rest at the lower end of the sternum.
Example Meditation
Fold the hands before the solar plexus with the index fingers raised. Practise the Complete Breath and, on each inhalation, feel the breath rise along the raised fingers toward the crown. The seal lifts listlessness and charges the inner reserves; use it when a meditation needs fresh force and inspiration.
Effects
PhysicalΣῶμα
- Breath and refreshment. Strengthens inhalation, opens the heart and upper lung area and refreshes the body; it is linked to the lungs, large intestine and nervous system.
EmotionalΘυμός
- Against listlessness. For physical or mental listlessness; it also relaxes.
IntellectualΝοῦς
- Inspiration. For the rousing idea and the flash of insight; used before lectures, teaching and writing.
SoulΨυχή
- Charging the inner reservoirs. It draws the universal life force, prana or chi, inward and fills the inner reserves of strength.
AscentἈνάβασις
- The lightning rod. It is compared to a lightning rod. In Zevism the image is exact: the raised index fingers receive the keraunos of Zeus, the descending thumbs root it in the body.
Finger Key
| Finger | Element | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thumb | Fire | laid against the left thumb, pointing down | laid against the right thumb, pointing down |
| Index | Air | extended upward, laid against the left index finger | extended upward, laid against the right index finger |
| Middle | Aether | rests on the back of the left hand | rests on the back of the right hand |
| Ring | Earth | rests on the back of the left hand | rests on the back of the right hand |
| Little | Water | rests on the back of the left hand | rests on the back of the right hand |
Cautions and Variants
Variants. Which thumb lies on top is left open; either may.
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.