Hridaya (Heart) Mudra

This mudra is an extension of Chin Mudra where the tip of the first finger presses to the base of the thumb signifying the individual soul paying respect to the Supreme Soul.

The second and third fingers rest on top of the thumb and the little finger stands alone. The second, third and fourth fingers signify the modes of goodness, passion and ignorance respectively. Placing the second and third fingers on the thumb signifies that we are using these modes in the service of the Supreme.

In the yogic system it is said that subtle meridians or energy channels run from these two fingers to the heart centre which is why this mudra is called the Heart Mudra. Some practitioners claim that if this mudra is held for twenty minutes a day it will be therapeutically calming for the heart.

Chin Mudra

A mudra is a gesture usually of the hands which affects our subtle energies. Many people who come to our programs at the Australian School of Meditation and Yoga already know chin mudra. Chin mudra is the most well-known mudra which is used in meditation practices to keep our energies from being dispersed outside the body, therefore it also helps us focus our mind on the meditation.





To perform chin mudra the tip of the first finger is placed at the root of the thumb and the palms are turned upwards with the back of the hands resting on the knees. Turning the palms upwards also has a broadening effect across the front of the shoulders which in turn allows more space for our breathing and heart function and subtly lifts our spirits.

Alternatively the thumb can be placed at the tip of the first finger.



The thumb is analagous to the Supreme Soul whereas the first finger is analagous to the individual soul or self. Therefore in chin mudra we are performing Iswara Pranidhana - the offering of reverence and respect to Iswara (the Supreme Soul).




Iswara Pranidhana is one of the Five Yamas or codes of conduct for living as taught by Patanjali in his treatise The Yoga Sutras. If you are interested in learning more about the yamas or the teachings of yoga I often mention them in our Yoga Mini Retreats at Fradgley Hall on the third Sunday of the month.

Rani does the Cow Pose

Namaste

I just had to include this picture of my friend Rani having her throat brushed. She does such a wonderful cow pose just like you'll find at our classes at the Australian School of Meditation and Yoga. This beautiful little calf was abandoned by her mother and seemed to be only 1 day old when she was found. She was adopted by a friend of mine and bottle fed. Now five months later she is weaned and eating grass but such a big sook she needs to suck my friends fingers every time she wants to drink water! So she moos and moos until she gets attention and then my friend has to go and put her hand in a trough of water and into the Rani's mouth so she can drink her water. Rani drinks like a water buffalo with her lower jaw in the water. Luckily she seems also to be a bit like a camel and only wanting one big drink a day.

This lovely little calf is so friendly, she loves attention, especially having her throat brushed. Unfortunately she has a penchant for flowers and vegetables so has to be tied up until some fences can be made.