Chakra means circle, Hence the word Dharma chakra means to follow the wheel of dharma. This mudra gains prominence as this was the first mudra the Buddha used in his first meditation program and set the wheel of dharma in motion. The initial Dhyani Buddha, Vairochana, demonstrates this mudra.
In this article, we provide a deep look at how to perform the Dharma Chakra Mudra, as well as its numerous benefits and important precautions.
What are Mudras?
Mudras are hand gestures that activate a certain element or energy in the body. The five fingers represent the five elements. The energy activation point lies on the fingertips. When the fingertips are connected, the subtle energy in your body gets activated. The thumb represents the fire element. This element represents agni within the body, and it serves to activate all the other elements.
The index finger represents air, middle finger ether, ring finger earth and the little finger represents the water element.
When different hand formations, or mudras, are formed, the combination of subtle elements has a powerful effect on the mind and body.
How Can Mudras Heal?
There is a spiritual force that mediates our mind-body connection. Ayurveda says that when the elements in our body are balanced, our bodies and minds are healthy. Whenever imbalance arises, we can attain balance by activating specific elements using various mudras. Acupuncture is another method that involves activating specific points in the body and improving the flow of energy. Mudras act in a similar way. The tips of our fingers act like electrical potential points, and when the mudras are formed, they create an electrical circuit that circulates energy throughout the body. As this energy circulates, we feel a healing effect. The most astonishing fact is that our brain uses about 60% of its surface area to process the movements and sensations of the hands.
RECOMMENDED: For a complete guide to the many mudras and their benefits, check out Healing Mudras: Yoga of the Hands by Yogi Nataraj.
How to Perform the Dharma Chakra Mudra?
In order to perform this mudra, the thumb and index finger tips of both hands must touch and then be connected as illustrated.The wheel of dharma is represented by this relationship.
The remaining three fingers, which are extended, are the little finger, which stands in for the Mahayana, or “Great Vehicle,” and the middle and ring fingers, which stand in for the “solitary realizers” and “hearers” of the teachings, respectively.
The mudra is held directly in front of the heart because the region of the heart is where dharma, or the nature of the soul, lives, and because Buddha taught us how to cure the heart.
Keep track of the energy that leaves and enters your heart. Spend 15 to 20 minutes performing this mudra.
When Should I Perform the Gyan Mudra?
The Gyan mudra is useful for:
- Improving concentration
- Meditation practices
- Affirming your vows
- Improves Habits
- Finding clarity in your thoughts
- Deepens meditation
- Strengthens the heart
- Enhancing the endocrine system
- Strengthening the muscular system
Remember that it is very important to feel your pulse while performing this mudra. This mudra is about self-healing and strengthening the inner healing mechanism and increasing a will to practice Dharma.
Precautions When Practicing Dharma Chakra Mudra
This mudra gives full effect if we practice understanding the Dharmic aspect of the mudra. The true meaning is given in the Dharmic Buddhic texts and meant to churn the heart to throw out bad habits and toxins. This needs to be understood and practiced with a full heart. When done we will feel lighter and stronger.
What Chakras Does Dharma Chakra Mudra Activate?
Dharma Chakra mudra activates the heart and the throat chakra. Mainly the heart chakra opens up. The goal of yoga is to open the space in the heart. This mudra opens up the chakra blocks and heals the heart.
Related Mudras
Gyan Mudra, Akasa Mudra, Anantha Prajna Mudra, Purna Prajna Mudra, Hakini Mudra, Sankha Mudra give similar effects.
Related Yoga Poses
The poses that are more related to meditation and purification give us the similar effects of this mudra. They are Bharadwajasana (Meditation pose of sage Bharadwaj), Padmasana (Lotus pose), Chakrasana (Circle pose), Ustrasana (Camel pose), Bhujangasana (cobra pose)
List of Mudra Guides
Mudras are very beneficial when performed with proper understanding. Mudras deal with individual elements, combinations of elements, the vital airs, the vital functions and even moods and feelings. Regular practice of each mudra based on our needs and present condition can help us achieve the specific results we are looking for. Please explore our various mudra guides and try out the practices that suit your needs
Chakra Mudras
- Mudras for the Root Chakra
- Mudras for the Sacral Chakra
- Mudras for the Navel Chakra
- Mudras for the Heart Chakra
- Mudras for the Throat Chakra
- Mudras for the Third-eye Chakra
- Mudras for the Crown Chakra
Mudra Sequences
Individual Mudra Guides
- Abhaya Mudra
- Adi Mudra
- Agni Mudra
- Akasha Mudra
- Anjali Mudra
- Apana Vayu Mudra
- Bhumisparsha Mudra
- Brahma Mudra
- Dhyan Mudra
- Ganesha Mudra
- Gyan Mudra
- Kundalini Mudra
- Lotus Mudra
- Musti Mudra
- Prana Mudra
- Prithvi Mudra
- Rudra Mudra
- Shakti Mudra
- Shankha Mudra
- Shunya Mudra
- Surya Mudra
- Udana Vayu Mudra
- Uttarabodhi
- Varada Mudra
- Vayu Mudra
- Vitarka Mudra
- Yoni Mudra