By Ashish
Start practicing Karana Mudra to cultivate spiritual, mental, and emotional benefits.
The Philosophy Behind Karana Mudra
Its description is mostly found in the Buddhist tradition as Gautam Buddha is generally portrayed meditating in Karana mudra.
Karana Mudra signifies the warding off evil and negative energies. The religious and cultural beliefs suggest that Karana mudra helps remove mental blocks.
Due to the ability to divert or to get rid of negative emotions, sickness, and demons, it is also known as the Gesture of Banishing.
Practicing such a simple hand gesture either in meditative sessions or with pranayama (breathing exercises) leads the practitioner towards optimism and enlightenment. You can double up its benefits by fusing this gesture with chanting mantras like the Ganesh mantra.
Alternatively, place your hand into the chest and attain Karana Mudra by channeling the flow of life force (prana). Filling the inhalation and exhalation with the following Mantra:
- Inhale: “May obstacles be removed.”
- Exhale: “May negative energy be thwarted.”
This gesture involves the middle finger pressed against the thumb, hence stimulating the fire and ether elements in the body.
Time Duration
It is best to practice this mudra in the morning or evening hours. You can hold them all day long. However, it’s not possible, so perform this gesture with asanas, pranayama, or meditation.
Beginners must practice it for at least 15 minutes and gradually reach up to 45 minutes.
How To Perform Karana Mudra
Sit comfortably in padmasana, sukhasana, or vajrasana, or, if not comfortable in a cross-legged posture, sit on a chair. Follow the given steps to attain Karana mudra;
Instructions
- Bring your right hand to your chest level.
- Place it either vertically or horizontally opening the palm forward.
- Flex your middle and ring finger towards the center of the palm.
- Bend to thumb inwards to hold down the flexed fingers.
- Straighten the index and little finger and extend them upward.
- Place the left hand on the left knee with palm facing up.
Variation
Some sources also describe this mudra differently as:
- Bringing the right hand in front of the chest with the palm facing outward.
- Fold the thumb, middle, and little fingers.
- Keep the index and ring fingers straight.
Karana Mudra Benefits
- Karana Mudra fills the mind with positivity.
- It drives stronger energy forces inwards.
- Any health ailments or sickness is removed by Karana mudra.
- It brings a sense of fearlessness.
- It eliminates the obstacles created by the mind and brings clarity.
- It improves the flow of prana subtly.
Conclusion
Defeat your demons, negative forces, ailments, and fear with Karana Mudra. It is a cleansing mudra revitalizing the mind and a step towards enlightenment.
Feng shui principles state that practicing Karana mudra brings fearlessness. It also enhances energy and peace internally as well as in the surroundings.
