The word mudra translates as attitude or gesture. The word chin comes from the word chitta, which means consciousness. So, Chin Mudra is the gesture of consciousness. In Chin Mudra the index finger represents our thinking brain or ego. It is bows inwards to meet the thumb, which represents the part of our selves that is connected to higher consciousness. Chin mudra is a gesture that we are surrendering our ego in order to connect to universal consciousness, sometimes called intuition. When performing Chin Mudra the meditator creates a loop in the energy system of the body which increases their mental attention. When practiced over a long time this feedback loop serves as a stimulus for meditative states in the brain. When someone has been practicing chin mudra repeatedly for a long time, the brain learns to respond to the gesture by slipping into a meditative state more quickly. The thinking brain relaxes, and higher consciousness takes precedent.
What to do
- Touch the tip of the index finger and thumb together.
- Notice the opening of the rib cage as you breathe in and out.
- Use this mudra when you meditate, practice pranayama, and during asana practice.
Modifications
- Beginners may benefit from folding the tip of the ring finger under the thumb because it increases the awareness of the mudra. It is easier to notice when the mudra is lost as the body relaxes.
Benefits
- Opens the connective tissue of the chest, allowing for easier expansion of the lungs.
- Captures energy dissipating from the finger tips.
- Increases mental focus.
- Serves as a signal to move into meditative state.
