Tarka means Intellectual argument, discussion or deliberation. In this mudra a circle is formed by the thumb and index finger. This indicates the wheel of law. This mudra is used as a meditation tool for establishing the higher truth. This is very close to gyana mudra. Gyana mudra is extremely beneficial in sharpening the brain. Vitarka mudra helps us in public speaking.
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 Vitarka Mudra?
The main difference between vitarka mudra and the gyana mudra is that in Gyana mudra we make sure we touch the exact tips of the index finger and the thumb whereas in the vitarka mudra we touch the thumb with the index finger just around the first half the index finger.
Benefits and practice : We can practice this mudra as we study something or assimilate some aspect of knowledge or are delivering a lecture. By practicing this mudra our ability to speak in public or deliver knowledgeable points increases.
When Should I Perform the Vitarka Mudra?
The Vitarka mudra is useful for:
- Improving concentration
- Meditation practices
- Improves public speaking
- Very good mudra for mantra meditation
- Finding clarity in your thoughts
- When combined with other buddha mudras heals the throat chakra
- Improves communication
- Enhancing the endocrine system
Precautions When Practicing Vitarka Mudra
This mudra gives full effect if we practice understanding the spiritual aspect of the mudra. The true meaning is given in the Dharmic Buddhic texts and meant to heal the thoughts and improve speech. This needs to be understood and practiced with a full heart. When done we will use our speech well.
What Chakras Does Vitarka Mudra Activate?
Vitarka Mudra activates the throat chakra healing the ability to speak.
Related Mudras
Dharma Chakra Mudra, Gyan Mudra, Akasha mudra, Surabi Mudra, Samana Mudra, Prana Mudra, Abhaya Mudra give similar effects.
Related Yoga Poses
Matsyasana (Fish Pose), Bhujangasana (cobra pose), Shalabhasana (Locust pose), Dhanurasana (Bow pose) all give us similar effects.
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
- Dharmachakra 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
- Yoni Mudra