What is Unmani Mudra: The Gesture of Stillness with Absolute Awareness

In the world of yoga, mudras, or hand gestures, play an important role in regulating energy flow in the body and promoting physical and mental health. One such mudra is Unmani Mudra, a powerful gesture that represents the state of absolute stillness and awareness. In this blog, we’ll explore the practice, benefits, and variations of Unmani Mudra.

What is Unmani Mudra?

Unmani Mudra is a hand gesture in which the palms are turned upward, and the fingertips of each hand touch the corresponding fingertips on the opposite hand. The thumbs are also touching, forming a circle. This gesture is held at the level of the navel or slightly above, with the elbows relaxed and the shoulders drawn back and down.

The word “unmani” means “no mind” or “state of absolute stillness” in Sanskrit. This mudra is believed to represent the state of pure consciousness or awareness that arises when the mind is free from thoughts, emotions, and distractions.

The yogic philosophy of the Unmani Mudra

According to yogic philosophy, the mind is the source of all suffering and bondage. The constant chatter of the mind creates a sense of restlessness and anxiety, preventing us from experiencing our true nature. Unmani Mudra is a powerful tool for quieting the mind and attaining a state of stillness and awareness.

The practice of Unmani Mudra is rooted in the concept of “prana” or life force energy. Prana flows through the body in channels called “nadis” and is regulated by the chakras, or energy centers. When prana is blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to physical and emotional disorders.

Unmani Mudra is believed to regulate the flow of prana in the body, promoting balance and harmony. The palms facing upward symbolize receptivity, while the circle formed by the fingers represents wholeness and completeness. The thumbs touching create a closed circuit, representing the unification of polarities.

Through the practice of Unmani Mudra, we can learn to release tension and negativity, and connect with our true essence. By bringing awareness to the breath and the present moment, we can cultivate a sense of inner peace and harmony. This practice can help us to move beyond the limitations of the mind and experience a deeper connection to the universe.

How Unmani Mudra Related in Activating Chakra

Unmani Mudra is closely related to the chakras or energy centers in the body. According to yogic philosophy, there are seven main chakras, each located at a specific point along the spine. These chakras regulate the flow of prana or life force energy in the body and are associated with different physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our being.

The practice of Unmani Mudra is believed to balance and regulate the flow of prana in the body, promoting harmony and wellbeing. This mudra is particularly associated with the ajna chakra or third eye chakra, which is located in the forehead between the eyebrows. The ajna chakra is associated with intuition, clarity, and spiritual insight. By practicing Unmani Mudra, we can activate and balance the ajna chakra, enhancing our intuition and inner vision.

In addition to the ajna chakra, Unmani Mudra is also believed to activate the sahasrara chakra or crown chakra, which is located at the top of the head. The sahasrara chakra is associated with spiritual awakening, consciousness, and transcendence. By practicing Unmani Mudra, we can enhance our connection to the divine and experience a sense of oneness with the universe.

How to Practice Unmani Mudra?

To practice Unmani Mudra, follow these steps:

Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position, with the spine straight and the hands resting on the knees.
Bring the hands to the level of the navel or slightly above, with the palms facing up.
Touch the tips of the thumb, index, and middle fingers of each hand to the corresponding fingers on the opposite hand, forming a circle.
The ring finger and little finger of each hand remain extended.
Hold the mudra for several minutes, breathing slowly and deeply.

Benefits of Unmani Mudra

Unmani Mudra is a powerful yogic practice that offers a range of benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. Some of the key benefits of this mudra include:

Quieting the mind

Unmani Mudra is a powerful tool for quieting the mind and promoting a state of deep relaxation and stillness. By bringing awareness to the breath and the present moment, this mudra can help to release tension, anxiety, and stress.

Enhancing intuition and clarity

Unmani Mudra is associated with the ajna chakra or third eye chakra, which is associated with intuition, clarity, and spiritual insight. By practicing this mudra, we can enhance our intuition and inner vision, promoting greater clarity and insight.

Regulating the flow of prana

Unmani Mudra is believed to balance and regulate the flow of prana or life force energy in the body. By promoting balance and harmony, this mudra can help to prevent physical and emotional disorders and promote overall well-being.

Activating the crown chakra

Unmani Mudra is also believed to activate the Sahasrara chakra or crown chakra, which is associated with spiritual awakening and transcendence. By enhancing our connection to the divine, this mudra can promote a sense of inner peace and unity with the universe.

Promoting relaxation and stress relief

Unmani Mudra is a simple yet powerful practice that can be used as a tool for relaxation and stress relief. By taking a few moments to practice this mudra, we can release tension and anxiety, promoting greater physical and emotional well-being.

Variations of Unmani Mudra

There are several variations of Unmani Mudra, each with its own specific benefits and applications. Here are a few variations of this mudra:

Shambhavi Mudra – This is a variation of Unmani Mudra in which the eyes are closed and the gaze is directed towards the space between the eyebrows, also known as the “third eye”. This mudra is believed to promote spiritual awakening and inner vision.
Vajroli Mudra – This is a variation of Unmani Mudra in which the pelvic floor muscles are contracted and relaxed in a rhythmic manner. This mudra is believed to enhance sexual vitality and promote overall health and well-being.
Bhujangini Mudra – This is a variation of Unmani Mudra in which the fingers are interlaced behind the back, with the palms facing inward. This mudra is believed to promote spinal health and enhance awareness.

Contraindications and Cautions of Unmani Mudra

While Unmani Mudra is generally a safe practice for most people, there exist no precaution from individual point of view however there are some contraindications and cautions to keep in mind. These include:

High blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure, it is important to practice Unmani Mudra with caution. This mudra can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, which may be problematic for those with pre-existing hypertension.

Eye conditions: Unmani Mudra involves placing the palms over the eyes, which can put pressure on the eyes. If you have any eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or conjunctivitis, it is best to avoid this mudra or practice it with caution.

Beginner’s Tip of Unmani Mudra

If you are new to Unmani Mudra, it can be helpful to keep the following beginner’s tips in mind:

Find a quiet, comfortable space

Unmani Mudra is a practice that requires a certain level of stillness and focus, so it is important to find a quiet, comfortable space where you can practice without distraction.

Practice in a seated position

Unmani Mudra is typically practiced in a seated position, so find a comfortable seat with your back straight and your feet firmly on the ground.

Close your eyes

To help quiet the mind and turn your focus inward, it can be helpful to close your eyes while practicing Unmani Mudra.

Take slow, deep breaths

Focus on taking slow, deep breaths while practicing Unmani Mudra. This can help to calm the mind and promote relaxation.

Start with short practice sessions

If you are new to Unmani Mudra, start with shorter practice sessions of 5-10 minutes and gradually work your way up to longer sessions as you become more comfortable with the practice.

Listen to your body

Unmani Mudra is a powerful practice, but it is important to listen to your body and practice with caution. If you experience any discomfort or pain while practicing, ease off or stop the practice altogether.

FAQ’s on Unmani Mudra

Q: What is Unmani Mudra?

Unmani Mudra is a yoga mudra, or hand gesture, that is believed to help calm the mind and prepare it for meditation. The word “unmani” comes from Sanskrit and means “not moving” or “still.”

Q: How is Unmani Mudra performed?

To perform Unmani Mudra, sit comfortably with your back straight and your hands resting on your knees. Bring your hands together in front of your chest, with the fingers interlaced and the palms facing down. Then, lower your hands so that the thumbs touch your sternum and the fingers point downward. Relax your hands and hold the mudra for several minutes while focusing on your breath.

Q: What are the benefits of Unmani Mudra?

Unmani Mudra is believed to have several benefits, including:

Calming the mind and reducing stress and anxiety.
Improving concentration and focus.
Enhancing spiritual awareness and connection to higher consciousness.
Promoting overall well-being and relaxation.

Q: Can anyone perform Unmani Mudra?

Yes, anyone can perform Unmani Mudra. However, it is always best to consult with a qualified yoga teacher or healthcare professional before beginning any new yoga practice, especially if you have any medical conditions or injuries.

Q: How often should Unmani Mudra be practiced?

Unmani Mudra can be practiced daily as part of a regular yoga or meditation practice. It is recommended to practice for at least 5-10 minutes at a time to experience its benefits. However, the duration and frequency of practice can be adjusted based on individual needs and preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Unmani Mudra is a powerful practice that can promote relaxation, awareness, and inner wisdom. With consistent practice and awareness, this mudra can help us to connect with our true nature and cultivate a sense of stillness and peace in our lives. However, it’s important to note that Unmani Mudra should be practiced under the guidance of an experienced yoga teacher.

References

Salvatore Rush

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Yogi
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What is Unmani Mudra: The Gesture of Stillness with Absolute Awareness