The Jnana Mudra

The Jnana Mudra

The Jnana Mudra
Abhaykumar Shah imparts some rudimentary but essential information on Jnana Mudra

Before we learn about Jnana Mudra, let’s get the hang of some correlated aspects: 

Pituitary Gland: Known as the king of glands, it controls the secretions of all the glands of our endocrine system. Growth of the organs and the body, development of the senses as well as that of sensitivity and sensibility, growth of the brain and wisdom, and decision-making ability are possible due to the efficient functioning of the pituitary gland. 

If this gland functions optimally, it can turn a person into a genius, a scientist or philosopher, or a good writer or poet. 

Pineal Gland: Popularly known as the Third Eye, it controls the development of our endocrine system and governs the balance of sodium and potassium in our body. 

Proper working of this gland gives one the power to transform oneself into a virtuous character, and build wisdom and strong willpower. Whereas  malfunction of this gland can turn a person into a criminal—even a rapist—as an excessive and uncontrollable libido results from its improper functioning. 

Well, the good news is that Jnana Mudra is capable of correcting the functioning of the pituitary and pineal glands. Hence, is called the queen of all mudras. 

How to form this mudra: Connect the tip of the index finger to the tip of the thumb, forming (almost) a circle. Keep the remaining three fingers comfortably straight and attached to each other by their sides. In this gesture, put the palms on the laps or on the knees.

Benefits: The connection of Agni with Vaayu plays a very vital role in the efficiency of the human brain. It improves memory and concentration, and boosts one’s grasping power. That is why it is also called Saraswati Mudra, since Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge. 

Jnana Mudra corrects thoughts and makes them positive. It enhances prudence and discretion to choose between good and bad. It refines analytical power and reasoning too. So, another appropriate monicker for it is Viveka Mudra. 

It balances the Vaayu (air) Element in the body, blockages in the flow of which cause pain. Vaayu controls the voluntary and involuntary movements of our body and organs. Jnana Mudra, practised by healthy persons, prevents diseases like Parkinsons and paralysis, which turn voluntary movements into involuntary. Lots of systems in our body work involuntarily, like the pumping of the heart, the circulation of the blood, and waste elimination. Regular practice of  the Jnana Mudra keeps these systems healthy. 

This mudra has a tremendous ability to enhance the benefits obtained from dhyana sadhana and chanting of mantras. The flow of energy through the nerves is maintained in the required measure, speech is controlled, protection from mental illness is obtained, and eyesight due to a weakened retina is corrected with the help of this mudra. 

One can practice this mudra for any length of time. It has no upper limit.