Mudras are used
in spiritual pursuits and in devotional or expressive dancing forms. Hand signs
are used to achieve manifold purposes. Here is a review.
Mudras were
introduced in Buddhism to gain authority or access. The word mudra in Pali
language means status or authority. They were used as an expression of
authority to perform an action or to invoke blessings on deities to gain access
towards them. There are nine important mudras taught by Lord Buddha. Today Buddhist
lore speaks of more than hundreds such mudras.
Hinduism gave
slightly different interpretation for mudra. For them it was seal, mark or
gesture. Originally, mudras numbered 108; almost all of them involved the use
of hand and fingers. Traditional dances such as Bharatha Natyam took the
meaning of gesture in mudra to new heights. They were used to make connection
between and amongst hand, eye, mind, feelings and finally mood of the person performing
such mudra. Moreover, these dances evolved from strictly devotional ones to liberal
expressive ones as time passed on. While there were few root mudras in a
dancing, permutation of the variables including use of one hand, both hands,
shoulder, facial expression and body language brought out a plethora of such
mudras.
Beyond
spirituality and expressiveness, mudras are limited in mundane use. Hence the
need to find alternatives. Hand signs fit the bill, as hand signs are flexible
and do not require the rigour of a mudra. Furthermore, hand signs can be used
independently or in combination with the other parts of body. Taking a cue from
the dances, hand signs are demoed in one or both hands and with arm movements.
Facial expression and body language help make hand signs very effective. These
generate energy internally as well as project externally. Hand signs are static
and dynamic too. You can use hand signs
for many purposes including health, wellness and to achieve general and specific
purposes.
Check my Facebook,
Twitter and LinkedIn page under my pet name cosmicgems for examples of hand signs.
Perhaps you will find one that suits you well.
See you there!
Muthu
Ashraff
Cosmic Adviser
Mobile : +94
777 265677
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