By Julia Sultana
For centuries, humans have looked down humbly upon cradled hands – a mudra gesture - in order to seek higher truths within themselves. Mudras are used within many belief systems and in meditative practices all over the world. This article explores some basic Indian mudras and their potential benefits to martial arts training.
Mudra is a Sanskrit word derived from two words: “mud” and “ra” which means to rejoice, gesture or to seal. They are mindful formations made with the hands or body. Hinduism contains the earliest recorded knowledge and analysis of mudras. Examples are found in Mantra Shastra (the Book of Incantations), Upasana Shastra (the Book of Worship and Prayers) and the Nritya Shastra (the Book of Classical Dances).
It is said that Lord Krishna, a revered Hindu deity and the eighth incarnation of the god Vishnu, revealed himself as the Supreme Being, to a warrior by the name of Prince Arjuna. The prince faced a profound moral crisis while fighting in the Battle of Kurukshetra. In the Indian scripture Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishan is said to have formed the Gyan Mudra when he bestowed spiritual instruction to Arjuna - on duty without attachment, the nature of the soul, and the Path to Liberation.
Today, there are hundreds of variations of Indian mudras. A few commonly practiced ones are: Gyan Mudra (Mudra of Knowledge), Shuni Mudra (Mudra of Patience), and Prana Mudra (Mudra of Life Force). Martial arts practitioners can use mudras to develop otherwise intangible skills - such as an improved focus, greater calmness, and even compassion.
Each finger of a hand mudra is represented by an element: Fire (thumb), Air (index finger), Space/Ether (middle finger), Earth (ring finger) and Water (pinky finger). These elements are thought to connect to the body’s internal organs and systems. Mudras are created by connecting or sealing together, one or more of the fingers, and sometimes the palms, while the remaining fingers lie open or extended. When specific fingers and parts of the palm touch together, they form connections believed to positively engage or activate healthy functioning within the mind and body.
Mudra Fingers:
Water (Little finger) - Regulates circulation
Earth (Ring finger) – Regulates excretion
Space (Middle finger) – Regulates the upper body (Speaking, thinking, watching)
Air (Index finger) – Regulates heartbeat
Fire (Thumb) – Regulates digestion and metabolism
Hindu and Buddhist historical accounts converge with the acknowledgement of the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha. It is said that he sat under the bodhi tree during the night of his Enlightenment, and his visions culminated in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Centuries of devotees have practiced rituals combined with hand gestures, based on these teachings. Dispensed through mudras, these gestures serve as ambassadorial touchstones for greater self-awareness here on Earth.
Like the faded, windswept, venerable statues that grace the sacred temples, vestiges of mudra hand shapes can be found subtly embedded in martial arts forms. This is particularly true within Shaolin Kung Fu. By observing and imitating the figures and expressions of the ancient Arhat temple statues, many of these exercises evolved into Shaolin forms. Arhat is a Sanskrit word meaning meritorious – and signifies one who has achieved Nirvana by following the Buddha’s teachings and the Path to Enlightenment. In Chinese, the Sanskrit Arhat became transliterated as Alouhan (阿羅漢 traditional characters) which eventually shortened to Luohan. The Luohanquan (罗汉拳 simplified characters) or Arhat fist forms became the “18 Hands of Luohan” and is considered one of the oldest documented style of Shaolin Kung Fu.
The presence of mudras in these forms serve to remind us that higher level, transformative skills can be achieved only through regular, down-to-earth practices, such as seated meditation. In this way, mudras are a viable method for martial artists to merge hard physical training with the soft state of mindfulness.
Did these mudras lead to a more “enlightened” approach to the fighting arts? Did the sage founders of martial arts pass substitute the aggressive clenched fist, in favor of “an open palm - delivered with a sense of calm?”
One research study published in the Journal of Scientific American examined the combat effectiveness of the open hand, compared to a closed fist. It measured the force of a punch with that of an open palm strike - commonly used in many martial arts styles. The results were eye-opening: The force of an open palm strike was found to be nearly equal to that of a closed fist punch. (Ghose, Tia “Human Hands Evolved for Fighting, Study Suggests” Scientific American, 2012)
Mudras certainly could have pointed the way, for martial artists to harness the physical power of the open hand, while cultivating the spiritual power of an open heart. The two aspects appear complementary and harmonious - both as an effective system of training - and as a philosophy.
It is also believed that transfers of energy may take place in the body during mudra practice. (Sunitha S, Chandra Prakash Sharma “Mudra Therapy and Its Classification” International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 2021) Energy, also referred to as “Chi” or Qi (气), is vital for supporting life on Earth. It is also believed to power martial arts offensive and defensive actions, such as a strike or a deflection. Necessary to this equation is a source from which the energy is manifested, and a grounded pathway from its origin. Qi may then flow in circulatory fashion throughout the body; with potential to take final expressions through our extremities, in martial usage. Mudra practice may aide in expediting this positive flow of energy throughout the body.
Mudras are also practiced for mindful breathing and improved lung function. Breathing while engaging in conflict may seem a secondary consideration - since breathing is an autonomous function of the human body - but there is little doubt of the advantages of breathing more calmly and efficiently while engaged in “a fray.” In short, we may have to learn to “breathe better, in order to fight better.” One benefit of seated mudra practice is that it allows for quiet focus on inhaling and exhaling breaths. Inhaling breaths provide better airflow by bringing oxygen to the lungs, while exhaling breaths help the body to expel carbon dioxide. During this process, mudras may also serve to settle our disquiet energy, and to help keep us centered and focused on a task.
Through mudra practice, martial artists may cultivate more constructive ways to manage conflicts. Buddhism teaches a living ideology that ordinary humans can aspire to near supreme levels of compassion and benevolence. Fear and anger, common emotions experienced during combat, may contribute to distorted perceptions, impaired thinking, and inefficient body function. Calmness and compassion are restorative emotions that can encourage greater understanding, even during conflicts. They also promote self-healing. Compassionate understanding can improve a martial artist’s ability to choose a positive mindset and to discard non-positive thoughts more efficiently. The Buddha, known for his compassion, is considered an integral ambassador to “The Way” for many traditional martial arts.
Finally, it is worth noting that the effectiveness of mudras in martial arts practice may thrive on belief – or simple faith. An optimistic approach will offer the best chance of achieving some of the benefits explored in this article. It is with little wonder that the ancient practice of mudras still holds relevance for their powerful, curative potential today, and continue to stand the test of time.
Whether one begins as a spiritual person who is training to fight, or as a fighter training to become spiritual, mudras are quietly present, all around us. They have made their cameo appearances as inspiration for meditation, within martial arts forms, and as part of higher thinking and right action. They silently teach us attributes and skills which comprise the best of humanity – so that we may move forward, to deal with the worst. Their benefits promote energy flow, calmer breathing, and compassion. Whether prayer-like and held close to the body, or with hands opened up like flowers, a mudra is in essence, a response to a human need. They serve as a reminder to all Humankind, that even when we are engaged in conflict, peace and understanding are in our own hands - and within reach.
Gyan Mudra (Mudra of Knowledge)
The Gyan Mudra may help promote mental focus for martial arts training and sparring. The connection between the thumb and index finger creates a focal point that may help reduce distractions, stress, and frustration - in training and in combat.
How to form Gyan Mudra
Touch the tip of the thumb with the tip of the index finger, while keeping the other three fingers extended.
Benefits: Increases wisdom, calmness, and positive energy.
Shuni Mudra (Mudra of Patience)
Shuni Mudra increases patience, self-discipline and follow through. This aids in adhering to rigorous training schedules and weathering highs and lows. It is thought to improve focus, concentration and insight. This may help in assessing an opponent and providing the appropriate response. After training or competition, it may help one to reflect on performance without negative self-judgement.
How to form Shuni Mudra
Place the tip of the middle finger on the base of the thumb and gently press down with the thumb, while keeping the other three fingers extended.
Benefits: Increases patience, self-discipline, and understanding. Helps transform negative thoughts into positive ones.
Prana Mudra (Mudra of Life)
The Prana Mudra (Mudra of Life) or sword fingers (jian zhi 劍指) is thought to promote circulation of energy or chi. The two “sword” fingers represent Yin and Yang – or inherent balance. The two fingers pointing upwards represents Yang (active and expansive) while the two fingers pointing downward represents Yin (receptive, yielding).
How to form Prana Mudra
Touch or fold the tips of the ring finger and little finger to the tip of the thumb, while keeping the other fingers extended and together.
Benefits: Increases vitality and energy, uplifts the mood and promotes clarity. Enhances the immune system.
Author
Julia Sultana has been a practitioner of Kung fu for twenty years and enjoys sharing her appreciation of martial arts with others through writing and teaching in her community.
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