What Does It Mean?

First of all, a mudra is a hand gesture or energy lock which helps you transform energy into more prana in your yoga practice. Gyan Mudra or Chin Mudra is known as the “Mudra of Knowledge” and is directly connected to the root chakra.

The root chakra governs our feelings of home, security, stability as well as interconnectedness and fear. In Sanskrit, “chin” means consciousness.

Even though “Gyan” sounds similar to Dhyan mudra, make sure to not get it confused with dhyana mudra, which is another mudra used for meditation.

When you have the hasta mudra of knowledge at your disposal, there must be nothing to fear right?

Oh, if only life were that easy.

Something that can make life easier, and helps our fears dissolve is a strong and consistent meditation practice…

…and Gyan Mudra is one of the best mudras for stability during meditation.

Since the index finger relates to the planet Jupiter, the planet of knowledge & expansion (along with luck and wealth.. just sayin’), practicing this gesture stimulates your brain and helps you with your spiritual progress.

It symbolizes union with your Soul, which you will be able to feel deeply in your crown and heart chakra.

You might also like: 10 Powerful Types of Mudras (With Pictures)

Gyan Mudra Benefits

The benefits of this mudra include strengthening your mental and physical health. Those with psychological disorders or problems could benefit from the powerful, subtle healing energy of Gyan mudra.

You will be able to connect to the ancient wisdom within you when you focus on the benefits of this mudra. As I mentioned before it resonates with the root chakra, so you may even feel your kundalini energy beginning to awaken and stir within you.

In traditional Ayurveda, they say this mudra boosts the air (Vayu) element which is perfect for meditating and finding balance in your thoughts.

It stimulates the third eye pineal gland, pituitary gland, and memory as well as balances the nervous system.

Have you been feeling forgetful lately?

This is probably the best mudra to sharpen your memory and heal your internal organs by helping with stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

No more sleeping pills for you!

Attain true knowledge by realizing all the answers and are already inside of you and the natural intelligence of your body.

How to Do This Mudra

Sit in a seated cross-legged position (padmasana) and bring the tips of your thumb and index finger to lightly touch, forming a circle with both fingers. If you are in tune with subtle energies, you may feel a circuit of electricity running between your thumb and forefinger.

You can bring your right and left hand to rest on your knees with your palms facing up. The rest of your fingers can be out straight.

Start with a calming breath to allow your mind to relax. This will sharpen your memory and enhance your inner spiritual qualities. Some breathing techniques that are used with this mudra are Nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and ujjayi pranayama.

You are welcome to try this mudra in different yoga meditative postures.

Try to hold the posture for 30-45 minutes, even if your hands and fingers get tired. You can perform it at any time of the day, but preferably early mornings to get the most prana out of it.

Just think of all the spiritual masters in Hindu and Buddhist culture who came before you and became enlightened with this mudra.

It’s no coincidence that this mudra has been around for thousands and thousands of years.

Come to think of it, maybe it’s time for you to take the steps to join a teacher training and become a yoga instructor.

May the power of the mudras be with you, always.