Adhunik Chikitsa Me Mudra Prayog Kyo Kab Kaise - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Adhunik Chikitsa Me Mudra Prayog Kyo Kab Kaise" (Why, When, and How to Use Mudras in Modern Medicine) by Saumyagunashreeji, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Adhunik Chikitsa Me Mudra Prayog Kyo Kab Kaise (Why, When, and How to Use Mudras in Modern Medicine) Author: Saumyagunashreeji Publisher: Prachya Vidyapith (Published under Sajjanmani Granthmala) Subject: This book is part of a larger research work by Sadhvi Saumyagunashreeji, focusing on the comparative and critical study of mudra (hand gestures) usage in modern medicine in relation to Jain rituals and practices. This particular volume is Volume 21 of a 23-volume series.

Core Premise: The book posits that mudra science is an ancient and universally relevant discipline based on the five elements (Panch Mahabhutas). It is presented as a testament to the scientific acumen of Indian Rishis and Mahatmas, alongside practices like meditation, asanas, and pranayama, which are gifts of Indian culture to the world. Mudras are defined as specific actions or gestures that convey expressions, and their existence is as old as life itself, serving as a primary means of expressing emotions even before verbal communication.

Key Arguments and Content:

Mudras as a Control System: Mudras are described as "switchboards" for the human body's "machine." Through them, significant elemental, mental, intellectual, spiritual, and physical changes can be easily induced without external aid. Their accessibility is highlighted, as anyone, regardless of class, income, or gender, can learn them.
Holistic Benefits: The book emphasizes that mudras offer benefits across multiple dimensions:
- Spiritual: They aid in spiritual upliftment, activating inner feelings, and awakening chakras, acting as a "life-saving medicine." They are also used in divine practices and rituals for invoking and pleasing deities.
- Physical: Mudras help balance the five elements within the body, which are represented by the fingers. This elemental balance leads to health benefits. They are presented as a powerful tool ("Brahmastra") in combating the rising number of diseases and the escalating costs of medical care.
- Psychological: They can bring about mental stability, reduce stress, and influence emotional states.
- Modern Medicine Connection: The book aims to bridge the gap between ancient mudra practices and modern medical understanding, exploring their relevance and application in contemporary healthcare.
Universality of Mudras: The text points out that mudras are not exclusive to any single religion or sect. They are found across various traditions:
- Jainism: Mentions of specific mudras related to pratikraman (confession/repentance) in Aavashyak Sutra, and postures like godhasan and khadgasana related to Mahavir's penance in Acharanga Sutra.
- Hinduism: Widely used in deity worship.
- Buddhism: Associated with Lord Buddha.
- Islam: Mention of specific hand gestures used during Namaz.
- Christianity: Specific hand gestures used in prayer by Christians.
Scientific Basis (The Five Elements):
- The book explains the connection between the five fingers and the five elements:
  - Thumb (Angutha): Represents Fire Element (Agni Tattva).
  - Index Finger (Tarjani): Represents Air Element (Vayu Tattva).
  - Middle Finger (Madhyama): Represents Ether/Space Element (Akash Tattva).
  - Ring Finger (Anamika): Represents Earth Element (Prithvi Tattva).
  - Little Finger (Kanishthika): Represents Water Element (Jal Tattva).
- By touching the tips of fingers to the tip or base of the thumb, the corresponding element's influence in the body can be increased or decreased, thus achieving balance.
Structure of the Research: The author, Sadhvi Saumyagunashreeji, has conducted extensive research, presented in multiple volumes. This volume, as part of a larger series, likely details specific mudras. The earlier chapters (as referenced in Chapter 1 and 2) delve into:
- Chapter 1: Effects of Mudras on the Seven Chakras, Glandular Systems, Consciousness Centers, and Five Elements, along with rules and regulations for mudra practice.
- Chapter 2: Detailed discussion of prevalent mudras in modern medical practice, including:
  - Jnana Mudra (Knowledge Mudra): Explains its benefits for intellect, memory, mental peace, spiritual development, and its symbolic meaning.
  - Jnana Dhyana Mudra (Knowledge Meditation Mudra): A variation for deeper meditation.
  - Jnana Vairagya Mudra (Knowledge Detachment Mudra): For cultivating detachment.
  - Abhaya Jnana Mudra (Fearless Knowledge Mudra): For courage and overcoming fear.
  - Tattva Jnana Mudra (Elemental Knowledge Mudra): For understanding the elements.
  - Bodhisattva Jnana Mudra (Enlightened Knowledge Mudra): For profound insight.
  - Purna Jnana Mudra (Complete Knowledge Mudra): For ultimate knowledge.
  - Vayu Mudra (Air Mudra): For balancing Vayu element, beneficial for joint pains, paralysis, etc.
  - Shunya Mudra (Ether/Void Mudra): For ear-related issues and balancing Akash element.
  - Prithvi Mudra (Earth Mudra): For balancing Earth element, strengthening the body.
  - Surya Mudra (Sun Mudra): For balancing Fire element, increasing warmth, aiding digestion, and weight loss.
  - Varuna Mudra (Water Mudra): For balancing Water element, helpful for dehydration and skin issues.
  - Akasha Mudra (Ether/Space Mudra): For balancing Ether element, beneficial for heart and bone health.
  - Dhyana Mudra (Meditation Mudra): For achieving meditative states.
  - Samanvaya (Sookari) Mudra (Coordination Mudra): For overall coordination and success in endeavors.
  - Hansi Mudra (Swan/Wisdom Mudra): For developing wisdom and controlling emotions.
  - Mrigi Mudra (Deer Mudra): For cultivating sincerity and humility.
  - Aditi Mudra: For invoking divine energies.
  - Jalodar Nashak Mudra (Ascites Removing Mudra): For reducing fluid retention.
  - Shankha Mudra (Conch Mudra): For thyroid balance, voice improvement, and purification.
  - Sahaj Shankha Mudra (Easy Conch Mudra): A simpler variation of Shankha Mudra.
  - Pankaj Mudra (Lotus Mudra): For detachment and purity.
  - Ling Mudra (Phallus Mudra): For increasing body heat, balancing Kapha, and boosting masculine energy.
  - Kidney-Bladder Mudra: For kidney and bladder health.
  - Bandhak Mudra (Binding Mudra): For controlling body heat and calming the mind.
  - Pustak Mudra (Book Mudra): For improving concentration and memory.
  - Prajvalini Mudra (Illuminating Mudra): For spiritual awakening and vision.
  - Heart Mudra: For heart health and emotional balance.
  - Anushasan Mudra (Discipline Mudra): For self-control and leadership qualities.
  - Ashirwad Mudra (Blessing Mudra): For conveying well-wishes.
  - Surbhi Mudra (Cow Mudra): For prosperity and well-being.
  - Jal Surbhi Mudra (Water Cow Mudra): For balancing water element.
  - Prithvi Surbhi Mudra (Earth Cow Mudra): For balancing earth element.
  - Shunya Surbhi Mudra (Ether Cow Mudra): For balancing ether element.
  - Vayu Surbhi Mudra (Air Cow Mudra): For balancing air element.
  - Prana Mudra (Life Force Mudra): For vitality and energy.
  - Apana Mudra (Downwards Flowing Energy Mudra): For elimination and detoxification.
  - Udana Mudra: Related to upward energy flow.
  - Vyan Mudra: For balancing circulation and body temperature.
  - Saman Mudra (Balancing Mudra): For digestive balance.
  - Apan Vayu Mudra (Apana-Air Mudra): A combination for heart health and gas relief.
  - Vayan Mudra: For circulation and energy balance.
  - Kamajaya Mudra (Victory over Desire Mudra): For controlling desires.
- Chapter 3: A chart of beneficial mudras for physical, mental, and spiritual ailments, providing specific recommendations for various conditions.
Author's Journey: The introductory sections and appendices highlight the author's (Sadhvi Saumyagunashreeji's) extensive dedication to this research, spanning many years (around 17 years for the D.Lit. work). It details her academic pursuits, the challenges faced, the support received from her gurus (Pujya Pravartini Sajjan Shriji M.S. and Pujya Shashiprabha Shriji M.S.), and the vast scope of her work, which is presented in 23 volumes.

Overall Significance: This book appears to be a scholarly and practical guide to mudras, integrating ancient knowledge with a modern perspective and linking it to Jain philosophical principles. It aims to empower individuals with self-healing techniques and promote a healthier, more balanced lifestyle through the accessible practice of mudras. The extensive research and detailed descriptions suggest a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in exploring the therapeutic and spiritual benefits of hand gestures.