​Mindmonia 

The 11 Best Mudras 

for Deeper Meditation 

   
​Mindmonia 

Have you ever wondered why people meditate with different hand 
positions? 

These are so-called mudras. Mudras are holy hand signs that are 
usually used during meditation to achieve a better m
​ editation 
experience​. 

In this article, we will explain to you what a mudra is and what it 
means to you and your well-being. Then, we will explain to you the 
11 best mudras for meditation in detail. In the end, you will get a list 
of 43 different mudras and their meaning. 

Here is a clickable table of contents to navigate through this article: 

● What Is a Mudra? 
● Mudra Benefits 
● Types of Mudras and Their Meaning 
● Mudras List 
● Conclusion 

What Is a Mudra? 

If you’re asking yourself right now: “What are mudras?”, here’s a 

mudra definition: 

“A mudra is a symbolic, ritual gesture, which is mainly used in yoga 

and meditation.” 

The term is Sanskrit and means “gesture”, “brand” or “seal”. These 

gestures are especially important in Buddhism and Hinduism. 
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That’s why some call them Buddhist hand symbol(s) or gesture(s), 

which is not accurate. A mudra does not necessarily have to be 
interpreted religiously. 

Most people know them only as hand positions, but there are 
numerous types of mudras, which are all different in themselves. 
For example, hand mudras are known to influence the flow of 
energy in the body and help you o
​ pen your chakras​. 

It’s assumed that each mudra has its own effect on body and mind. 
Although hand or rather finger mudras are most common in yoga 
and meditation, there are also body, heart and perineal mudras. 
You can read more about this and about the different effects of the 
gestures during meditation, in this c
​ hapter​. 

Just this much in advance: After all, meditation is about your 

personal well-being. That’s why you should pick the gestures and 
positions that make you feel best. 

Mudra Benefits 

Each type of mudra has an individual effect on your mind and body. 
Generally speaking, mudras have two great advantages in 
meditation: They help you to relax and increase your ability to 
concentrate. 

Their calming effect helps you to meditate in a more concentrated 

way, making it easier for you to maintain a good posture. 

Mindmonia expert tip: Combine mudras with m

​ antras​ to enjoy an 
even better meditation experience. 
​Mindmonia 

Think about it this way: ​Mantras keep your mind busy while mudras 
give your hands something to do.​ They are the optimal tool to 
improve your meditation practice, especially for people who have 
problems keeping their bodies still while meditating. 

But why do hand positions actually help to keep your own body 
still? 

Since we feel with our hands and thus “receive” one of our seven 
senses through our hands, they have a deep connection to the 
brain. Therefore, the way we hold our hands can influence the way 
we set our minds and bodies. 

Types of Mudras and Their Meaning 

As mentioned above, there are several types of mudras. The 

ingenious thing is that they can be used independently during 
meditation. To take your meditation practice to the next level, you 
can u
​ se several during one meditation session​. 

● Hasta ​– Hand Mudras / Finger Mudras 

● Māna ​– Head Mudras 
● Kaya –
​ Body Mudras 
● Bandha –
​ Heart Mudra 
● Adhara –
​ Perineal Mudras 

Of all types, hand mudras or rather finger mudras, are the 

best-known ones. That is why this article focuses on this kind of 
gesture. All the others are listed in the last c
​ hapter​. 
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Mudras List 

In total there are more than 30 different hand mudras, all of which 
can be combined with other mudra types. For example, you can 
combine a hand mudra with a body or heart mudra while 
meditating. In the following overview, we will explain the 11 most 
important ones that we at Mindmonia have used for the best 
results. 

Anjali Mudra 

The Anjali Mudra can not only be used for meditation but is also a 
common way of greeting in many Asian countries. 

How To 

Sit or stand up straight. Stretch out your back without getting a 

hollow back and bring your palms together at the level of the h​ eart 
chakra​. It is important that the palms are completely on top of each 
other. Make sure your fingers are always pointing upwards. 
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Meaning & Effect 

Anjali is Sanskrit and means something like “address” or “offer”. 

The combined palms of your hands help to create a sense of 
balance between your mind and your body. 

Although holding hands in a prayer position is often associated 

with certain religious topics or beliefs, this does not apply here. 
Meditation and yoga are practices that do not need to be 
interpreted religiously. 

Use Case and Benefit 

For a feeling of inner balance between your mind and your body. 
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Chin Mudra 

The Chin Mudra is also called the gesture of consciousness. When 

you use it in meditation, you calm your mind and your thoughts. You 
also improve your overall state of mind. An alternative name is 
Jnana Mudra. 

How To 

With Chin, turn your hands in a way that the inside of your hands is 
facing down. Then, with the tip of your index finger, touch the tip of 
your thumb and form a circle with your two fingers. Leave the other 
fingers stretched out. 

   
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Meaning & Effect 

This hand position stimulates the root chakra (also called 

Muladhara). It’s said that you can feel the energetic connection to 
the earth when you meditate with the Chin Mudra. 

The grounding, respectively the connection to the earth, stands 

primarily for one thing: the path back to the origin. The Chin hand 
position helps you to bring simplicity and modesty back into your 
life. 

Use Case and Benefit 

For a feeling of connectedness and modesty. 

Yoni Mudra 

The Yoni Mudra stands for stress reduction. It helps you to deal with 
stress and depression and keeps the balance in your nervous 
system. Furthermore, it helps you relax and rejuvenate your mind. 

How To 

Place your thumbs and index fingers on top of each other to form a 
kind of triangle. Point the index fingers downwards and fold the 
other fingers at an angle. 
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Meaning & Effect 

Yoni is an old Sanskrit word that means “uterus” or ” womb”. As 

you may know, when a baby is in the uterus, it’s on a stage, 
metaphorically speaking (because it gets all the attention), but still 
separated from the outside world. t’s isolated from stress and 
problems. 

In a similar way, the Yoni Mudra protects you from the stress of the 
outside world. 

Use Case and Benefit 

For a feeling of relief and stress reduction. 

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Vishnu Mudra 

The Vishnu Mudra is a difficult hand position. You can use it with 
either one or two hands. If you practice the Vishnu with one hand, 
always use the right hand, because it symbolizes the absorption of 
positive energy. That’s why this Mudra is one of the so-called right 
hand poses. 

How To 

Stretch out your hands and point your palms away from you (as if 
you were giving someone a high five). Then fold your index and 
middle fingers while holding your ring finger and little finger fully 
extended. If you have trouble holding the ring finger out, you can 
easily pinch the little finger under the ring finger. 

 
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Meaning & Effect 

The Vishnu activates and balances the first three chakras (root 
chakra, sacral chakra, and s
​ olar plexus chakra​). 

Use Case and Benefit 

For balancing and cleaning the 7 chakras. 

Gyan Mudra 

The Gyan mudra is by far the best-known mudra in our society. The 
uniqeness about this finger mudra is the fact, that besides the hand 
pose itself, breathing becomes also part of the gesture. 

How To 

Strictly speaking, this hand position is executed like the Chin, but 
with the palms upside down. It is important to stretch your thumb 
out, and not to bend it, when bringing your thumb and index finger 
together. The best way to do this is to sit down and put the outside 
of your hand on your knees. 
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Meaning & Effect 

In Sanskrit, Gyan means roughly translated “consciousness”, 

“wisdom” and “knowledge”. It improves your concentration and 
sharpens your memory. In addition to the mental benefits, it is 
believed that there are also physical benefits. 

Use Case and Benefit 

For increased concentration. 

   
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Abhaya Mudra 

The Abhaya Mudra stands for peace, security, and fearlessness. 

How To 

This one is easy. Align your right hand upright so that the inside of 
your hand points away from your body. Tilt your hand backward 
until you feel some tension in your wrist. This gesture works best 
when you are sitting. Important: Hold your hand slightly below the 
chest for best results. 

Meaning & Effect 

Like the other mudras, Abhaya is Sanskrit as well. In translation, it 

means fearlessness. This gesture has prevailed and is considered to 
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be the first mudra. It stands for peace and fearlessness because 

among other things it shows hands with no weapons. 

Use Case and Benefit 

For a feeling of peace, courage, and fearlessness. 

Hakini Mudra 

To perform the Hakini Mudra, you must use both hands. 

How To 

Put your hands together and do the Anjali. Then stretch your 
elbows a little outwards until your fingertips begin to join. Make 
sure that your fingertips are always pointing upwards. Do not force 
your fingers through, but let them loose.   

In this picture, we deliberately held our hands down so that you 

could see the finger positions better. 
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Meaning & Effect 

Hakini means strength or power in Sanskrit. However, the Hakini 

gesture does not refer to physical, but to spiritual power. Basically, 
this hand position helps you to better control your thoughts and 
gain more power over your own mind. 

Use Case and Benefit 

For a sense of increased mindfulness. 

Prana Mudra 

The Prana Mudra, also called Pran Mudra, is a hand position (one of 
the Hindu hand signs) that is known to strengthen the root chakra. 
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How To 

To perform this gesture correctly, you must first turn your palms 
away from your body and stretch them out. Then take the ring 
finger and your little finger and bend them a little. Extend your 
thumb and place the fingertips of the two curved fingers on the tip 
of your thumb. Leave the index and middle fingers stretched out. 

Meaning & Effect 

Prana means energy or life. When you meditate with this hand 
posture, you activate not only your root chakra but also your inner 
energy. 

   
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Use Case and Benefit 

For a feeling of more life energy and a higher energy level. 

Dhyana Mudra 

The Dhyana mudra is also called the meditation mudra. The Gyan, 
Chin, and Dhyana are by far the best-known hand positions for 
meditation. 

How To 

The best way to perform the Dhyana is to sit. Place the outside of 
your right hand into the palm of your left hand. Then put both hands 
in your lap. Make sure that the tips of your thumbs touch, but that 
your hand remains relaxed. 
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Meaning & Effect 

The purpose is to bring you into a deep and calm state of 
concentration. Since the Dhyana stands for balance and 
equilibrium, it establishes the state of balance during meditation, 
between your body and your mind. 

Use Case and Benefit 

● Ensures mindfulness 
● Reduces stress 
● Improves concentration and memory 
● Relieves anger and helps against depression 
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Apana Mudra 

The Apana Mudra stands for the inner purification and cleansing of 
your body. The cleansing includes memories and emotions. 

How To 

You should use both hands for this gesture. Bend your middle and 
ring finger slightly towards your thumb. Make sure that the 
fingertips of the thumb, middle finger and ring finger touch each 
other. Extend the other two fingers completely. 

   
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Meaning & Effect 

Apana is Sanskrit and means purification. This hand posture thus 

refers to physical and mental cleansing. This can mean toxins in the 
blood, menstruation but also the “purification of emotions”. 

This type is particularly suitable for women as it helps to regulate 

the menstrual cycle and facilitate childbirth. Meditation with Apana 
Mudra can also help to deal with difficult emotions or mood swings. 

Use Case and Benefit 

For a feeling of inner cleanness. 

Dharmachakra Mudra 

The Dharmachakra Mudra is a religious gesture that was used in 

the first preaching of Buddha. 

How To 

For this hand position, you must use both hands. With your right 
hand, you do the Chin Mudra and with your left hand, you do the 
Gyan Mudra. Then connect the thumb and index finger of the right 
hand with the middle finger of the left. 
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Meaning & Effect 

As you can see, the word dharmachakra contains the word chakra. 
If you have already read our c​ hakra guide​, you know that chakra 
means something like “wheel”. Dharma chakra in this context 
means something like “the wheel of Dharma”. The Dharmachakra 
hand posture is of a religious nature and figuratively stands for 
transience and the element of time and the continuous flow of 
energy. 

Use Case and Benefit 

For a sense of timelessness. 

   
​Mindmonia 

Further Mudras 

There are countless different types of mudras. However, the exact 

number is difficult to determine. Depending on which scripture 
(Buddhist or Hindu) you look at, the number varies between 30 and 
800. 

Since we only talked about the most important meditation hand 

signs so far, we would like to provide you with a more extensive list 
of the different mudra types. 

Hand Mudra (Hasta Mudra) 

Hand mudras are the easiest to perform and are therefore 

particularly suitable for beginners. In the right column, you will find 
the meaning of each one. Decide for yourself which hand posture 
you would like to integrate into your meditation exercises. 

Name  Meaning 

Vayu Mudra  Air 

Shunya Mudra  Void 

Hridaya Mudra  Heart 

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Varuna Mudra  Rain 

Shakti Mudra  Power 

Prithvi Mudra  Earth mudra 

Bhairav Mudra  Unbending 

Ksepana Mudra  Remove negative energy 

Vitarka Mudra  Logic 

Kubera Mudra  Wealth 

Ganesha Mudra  Self-confidence and courage 

Kalesvara Mudra  Calms the mind 

Surya Mudra  Fire mudra 

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Lotus Mudra  Heart chakra 

Garuda Mudra  Air, Eagle 

Uttarabodhi 
Enlightenment 
Mudra 

Shiva Linga  Balance between femininity and 

Mudra  masculinity 

Kundalini Mudra  Sexuality 

Vajra Mudra  Balancing the elements 

Matangi Mudra  Stress reduction 

Surabhi Mudra  Fulfillment of wishes 

Kali Mudra  Destruction of evil 

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Mushti Mudra  Anger control 

Ushas Mudra  The source of all good things 

Head Mudras (Māna) 

For head mudras, you use your eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and lips. 

Name  Meaning 

Shambhavi  Centre of the eyebrows 

Mudra  (observation) 

Shanmukhi 
Closing the seven gates 
Mudra 

Khechari Mudra  Tongue lock (silence) 

Kaki Mudra  Crow’s bill 

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Bhujangini Mudra  Respiration of the Cobra 

Unmani Mudra  Attitude of thoughtlessness 

Akashi Mudra  Awareness for your inner self 

Body Mudras (Kaya) 

Yoga positions have similarities to these mudras. You use your 

entire body to benefit from the desired effects. Especially in 
meditation, you can use these mudras to keep things interesting so 
as not to always sit in the lotus position. 

Name  Meaning 

Pashinee Mudra  The folded mudra 

Manduki Mudra  The Frog 

Tadagi Mudra  Block belly technique 

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Bhumisparsha  The earth is a 

Mudra  witness 

Heart Mudra (Bandha) 

Bandha mudras are advanced exercises that not everyone knows 

how to master. They are mainly used in yoga. 

Name  Meaning 

Uddiyana  Blockade flying 

Bandha  upwards 

Mula Bandha  Root blockage 

Maha Mudra  Great mudra 

   
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Perineal Mudras (Adhara) 

Adhara mudras often refer to sexuality. 

Name  Meaning 

Vajroli Mudra  Thunderstorms 

Maha Bheda 
The great divisive mudra 
Mudra 

Maha Vedha  The great penetrating 

Mudra  mudra 

Ashwini Mudra  Horse gesture 

Conclusion 

A mudra is a symbolic, ritual gesture (or posture), which is used 

primarily in yoga and meditation for a better experience. Many think 
primarily of hand positions that are only used in meditation. 
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However, there are other, rather unknown mudras besides the hand 
or rather finger mudras: 

● Head mudras 
● Body mudras 
● Heart mudras 
● Perineal mudras 

You alone decide which gesture you use in which situation. It all 
depends on the goal you want to achieve in the first place. 
Depending on how you defined your goal, you need to determine 
which gesture you’ll need to use in order to reach your goal. For 
example, you should use the Gyan Mudra in order to increase your 
concentration. 

Another factor that also plays an important role is your personal 

well-being. If you feel uncomfortable while meditating with a 
certain gesture, well, then don’t. Mudras can be an obstacle for a 
liberating meditation experience and therefore counterproductive if 
you don’t feel comfortable using them. 

Our tip for you: combine the postures described in this article with 
mantras to enjoy an even better meditation experience. 

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