Mudra Vignan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mudra Vigyan" by Nilam P Sanghvi, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Mudra Vigyan (Science of Mudras) Author: Nilam P Sanghvi Publisher: Pradip Sanghvi

Core Philosophy and Introduction (Pages 4-5):

The book introduces Mudra Vigyan as an ancient Indian science, a result of deep study by ancient Rishis. It posits that the human body is a microcosm of the universe and possesses an inherent capacity to heal itself. Mudras, through their practice, influence the nervous and glandular systems, leading to personal development and desired personality changes. They are described as effective, scientific, and simple to practice.

The text highlights the views of Acharya Keshav Dev, a proponent of Mudra Vigyan, who likens mudras to "control buttons" of the human body's "super-machine." He explains that mudras help channel specific energy waves to balance the body's five elements (Panch Tattva: Fire, Air, Ether, Earth, Water), leading to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The importance of clear intention and concentration during mudra practice is emphasized.

The author also acknowledges the contribution of Munishri Kishanlalji, the originator of five specific Namaskar Mudras included in the book. Munishri is described as a scholar and practitioner disciple of prominent Jain monks and an expert in Preksha Dhyan and other yogic practices. The author expresses gratitude to various individuals who supported the publication.

Fundamentals of Mudras (Pages 8-10):

• The Five Elements and Fingers: The book establishes a direct correlation between the five fingers and the five elements:

  • Thumb (Angutha): Fire (Agni)
  • Index Finger (Tijani): Air (Vayu)
  • Middle Finger (Madhyama): Ether/Space (Akash)
  • Ring Finger (Anamika): Earth (Prithvi)
  • Little Finger (Kanishthika): Water (Jal)

• Mechanism of Action: Mudras are explained as working like a "remote control" for the body's consciousness, influencing the special life energy (Prana Shakti) and electrical currents emanating from the hands.

• General Rules for Practice:

  • Balancing Elements: Touching the fingertips to the base of the thumb increases the element associated with that finger, while touching the fingertips to the base of the thumb decreases the element.
  • Accessibility: Anyone (men, women, children, elderly, sick, healthy) can practice mudras.
  • Hand Dominance: Left-hand mudras affect the right side of the body, and right-hand mudras affect the left side.
  • Proper Technique: Fingers and thumb should touch gently. Light pressure from the thumb is advised, with other fingers kept straight and together. Palms should ideally face upwards.
  • Duration: Each mudra should ideally be practiced for 48 minutes. If not possible, it can be divided into two sessions of 15 minutes each (morning and evening).
  • Specific Mudras: Some mudras like Pranmudra, Apanmudra, Prithvimudra, and Gyanmudra can be practiced longer. Others like Vayumudra, Shunyamudra, Lingmudra should be practiced only as needed.
  • Immediate Benefits: Apana Vayu Mudra is highlighted for its immediate benefit in heart-related issues.
  • Complementary Therapy: Mudras can be used alongside other medical treatments.
  • Synergy: The balance of Prana and Apana Vayu through Pranmudra and Apanmudra leads to balanced yoga, nadi purification, and good health.
  • Specific Benefits: Gyanmudra reduces mental stress and enhances knowledge. Prithvimudra increases physical strength. Shankhmudra impacts 72,000 nadis and strengthens the nervous system. Surbhi Mudra benefits those with Vata, Pitta, and Kapha dominant constitutions.
  • Combination Mudras: When two mudras are to be practiced together, they should be performed for 15 minutes each with both hands.
  • Elemental Transformation: Mudras facilitate the balance of elements through transformation, disintegration, manifestation, and withdrawal.

Detailed Mudra Descriptions (Pages 11-66):

The book then meticulously details a wide array of mudras, categorized and described with their formation, benefits, and specific notes. Some of the key mudras covered include:

• Gyan Mudra (Mudra of Knowledge): Promotes mental peace, concentration, memory, and spiritual advancement. Helpful for various mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
• Vayu Mudra (Mudra of Air): Addresses Vata-related ailments like Parkinson's, sciatica, paralysis, and joint pain.
• Akash Mudra (Mudra of Ether): Enhances mental clarity during meditation, strengthens bones, and benefits heart health.
• Shunya Mudra (Mudra of Emptiness): Primarily beneficial for ear-related problems like pain, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
• Prithvi Mudra (Mudra of Earth): Increases physical strength, energy, radiance, and positivity. Beneficial for Jupiter and improves intellect and memory.
• Aditi Mudra (Mudra of Infinity/Binding): Helps control yawning and sneezing. Associated with Jain Tirthankara imagery.
• Surya Mudra (Mudra of Sun): Boosts energy, aids in weight loss, balances thyroid function, and helps with Kapha-related ailments.
• Varun Mudra (Mudra of Water): Balances bodily fluids, improves skin health, and is beneficial for dehydration and diarrhea.
• Jalodar Nashak Mudra (Mudra to Remove Ascites/Edema): Specifically helps in reducing swelling and fluid retention in the body.
• Panch Prana Mudras (Mudras of the Five Vital Forces):
  • Prana Mudra: Increases life force, improves eyesight, and provides energy.
  • Apana Mudra: Aids in detoxification, proper elimination, and alleviates digestive issues.
  • Vyan Mudra: Balances the Vyan Vayu, which permeates the entire body.
  • Udan Mudra: Balances Udan Vayu, influencing speech, thought, and thyroid function.
  • Samana Mudra: Balances Samana Vayu and all five elements, promoting harmony and coordination.
• Apana Vayu Mudra (Mudra of Heart and Air): A crucial mudra for heart health, providing relief in cases of heart attack and angina. Often called "Amrita Sanjeevani."
• Kidney-Bladder Mudra: Beneficial for kidney and bladder-related issues.
• Linga Mudra (Mudra of the Lingam): Generates heat in the body, beneficial for Kapha-related ailments, and aids in digestion and fat reduction.
• Yoni Mudra: Promotes chastity and helps in controlling sexual urges.
• Shankh Mudra (Mudra of the Conch): Improves speech clarity, aids digestion, strengthens the nervous system, and benefits thyroid function.
• Sahaj Shankh Mudra (Natural Conch Mudra): Similar benefits to Shankh Mudra, particularly beneficial when combined with Vajrasana and Mulabandha, promoting stamina and brahmacharya.
• Dhyan Mudra (Mudra of Meditation): Enhances concentration, calms the mind, and facilitates deeper meditative states.
• Bandhak Mudra (Mudra of Binding): Generates internal heat and is beneficial for heart health and high blood pressure.
• Pustak Mudra (Mudra of the Book): Enhances concentration and comprehension, especially for students.
• Prajwalini Mudra (Mudra of Radiance): Improves eyesight and cognitive abilities.
• Heart Mudra: Directly relates to the heart, beneficial for various cardiac conditions.
• Mrigi Mudra (Mudra of the Deer): Fosters humility, reduces ego, and brings stability to the mind.
• Hansi Mudra (Mudra of the Swan): Promotes lightness of being and brings wealth and prosperity when used with mantras.
• Sukri Mudra: Balances the five elements and amplifies mantra power.
• Surbhi Mudra (Mudra of the Cow/Kamadhenu): Balances Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, aids digestion, and enhances spiritual practice. Variations include Jal Surbhi (Water), Prithvi Surbhi (Earth), Shunya Surbhi (Ether), and Vayu Surbhi (Air) mudras, each with specific elemental benefits.
• Ashirwad Mudra (Mudra of Blessing): Used to impart energy through blessings.
• Namaskar Mudra (Mudra of Salutation): A universal mudra that combines the benefits of many other mudras, promoting peace and well-being.

Panch Parmeshthi Namaskar Mudras (Pages 43-56):

This section introduces five specific mudras representing the Panch Parmeshthis (Arhat, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Muni) of Jainism. These are intended to awaken the inherent potential (Anant Gyan, Anant Anand, Anant Shakti) within individuals, fostering character development, physical strength, and learning capacity. Each mudra is described with its mantra, ritual, spiritual benefits, and physical benefits.

Hathayoga Mudras (Pages 57-60):

This section presents simplified Hathayoga mudras for advanced practitioners, drawing from classical texts. These include:

• Maha Mudra: Benefits nerve circulation, digestion, and skin radiance.
• Maha Bandh Mudra: Directs Prana upwards and initiates Prana flow in Sushumna Nadi.
• Maha Ved Mudra: Promotes skin elasticity and prevents premature aging.
• Khechari Mudra: Helps control hunger and thirst, aids concentration, and leads to a state of contemplation.
• Sarvendriya Mudra: Calms the senses, promotes introversion, and brings inner peace.

Appendices (Pages 61-66):

• Appendix 1: Consciousness Centers of the Human Body: Illustrates the energy centers in the body and their connection to endocrine glands and the Sushumna Nadi.
• Appendix 2: Mudras for Specific Ailments: A comprehensive alphabetical listing of various physical and mental conditions and the corresponding mudras recommended for their alleviation. This serves as a practical guide for using mudras therapeutically.

Overall Summary:

"Mudra Vigyan" by Nilam P Sanghvi is a comprehensive guide to the practice and benefits of hand mudras, rooted in ancient Indian wisdom and aligned with Jain philosophy. The book meticulously explains the connection between mudras, the five elements, and the body's energy systems. It provides detailed instructions for performing numerous mudras, outlining their therapeutic applications for a wide range of physical and mental ailments, as well as their role in spiritual growth and personal development. The inclusion of Panch Parmeshthi Mudras and Hathayoga Mudras further enhances its value for practitioners seeking holistic well-being.