Mudra Monday: Citta Mudra

This Mudra is thought to promote the awakening of our consciousness

As always, this Mudra’s name comes from the Sanskrit term, Citta, meaning ‘consciousness,’ and Mudra, denoting ‘gesture’ or ‘seal.’ For the serious yoga practitioners amongst you, the word Citta will be most familiar from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras (Book 1, Sutra 2): "Yogas citta vrtti nirodhah." Swami Satchidananda translates this as "The restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff (citta vrtti) is Yoga." For an advanced Yogi, this Sutra alone would supposedly be enough to reach enlightenment, as all the others that follow it merely serve to explain this particular one. What he is essentially saying is that ‘If you can control the rising of the mind into ripples, you will experience Yoga.’ No fancy poses here, 'just' controlling the flow of that wandering mind.

Citta Mudra therefore, is believed to awaken our inner awareness in such a way that enables the yogi to observe their feelings, thoughts and beliefs more clearly, thereby distinguishing between their earthly personality (or ego) and, their true, higher Self. Practicing this Mudra helps shift our focus inwards, calming the mind and promoting the path toward liberation.

As a Samyukta Hasta (double handed) Mudra, it is performed by placing the hands in prayer position, known as Anjali Mudra. The forefingers are folded until the tips touch the tops of the thumbs, while the other fingers remain extended. Citta Mudra may be practiced while seated, prone, standing or in movement, as long as the body remains relaxed and symmetrical. It may also be practiced during Pranayama and meditation.

Elements: All.

If you'd like to know more about Hasta Mudras you can read my introduction to the topic here and find all previous Mudra Monday blogs here.

Illustration © estudio mosa 2018