Avahana Mudrā

Avahana Mudrā

 

Introduction

 

Avahana Mudrā is a yogic gesture used primarily in rituals, meditation, and spiritual practice to invoke, welcome, and draw in divine energy. The term Avahana means “invocation” or “summoning,” symbolizing receptivity and openness to higher consciousness.

It is commonly practiced during puja, mantra chanting, or meditative sessions where the practitioner seeks to call in positive energy, divine blessings, or prānic support.

 

Meaning

• Etymology:

  • Avahana = invocation, welcoming, summoning.

  • Mudrā = seal, gesture, symbolic hand position.

• Literal Meaning: “The gesture of invoking or welcoming divine energy.”

• Symbolism: Represents receptivity, devotion, and spiritual alignment, connecting the practitioner with higher consciousness.

How to Perform Practice

1. Sit in a comfortable meditation posture (Padmāsana, Sukhasana, or Vajrāsana).

2. Raise both hands in front of the chest or slightly above, palms open and facing upward.

3. Raise the hands in front of the face, palms facing you, with the sides of the hands touching.

4. Place the tips of the thumbs to the base of the ring fingers. Keep the outer tips of the little finger pads touching, as you splay all of the fingers.

5. Close the eyes and maintain calm, deep breathing.

6. Practice for 5–20 minutes, preferably during meditation or ritual invocation.

 

Benefits

Physical Benefits

• Improves upper body circulation.

• Opens shoulders, wrists, and chest, supporting better posture.

Mental & Emotional Benefits

• Enhances focus, receptivity, and mental clarity.

• Reduces stress and emotional tension, cultivating a sense of openness and acceptance.

Spiritual Benefits

• Strengthens connection with divine or universal energy.

• Encourages heart-centered awareness and devotion.

• Supports rituals, mantra chanting, and meditative practice.

 

Contraindications

• Avoid prolonged arm elevation if experiencing shoulder, wrist, or neck pain.

• Practice gently if respiratory issues limit comfortable arm positioning.

 

Anatomy & Physiology

• Engages deltoid, biceps, and forearm muscles.

• Opens thoracic region, supporting lung expansion.

• Enhances circulation and parasympathetic activation.

 

Kinesiology

• Encourages bilateral symmetry of upper limbs.

• Promotes postural alignment and neuromuscular coordination.

• Integrates hand positioning with subtle energy flow.

 

Neurology

• Stimulates the vagus nerve for relaxation and calm.

• Activates prefrontal cortex, improving attention during ritual or meditation.

• Supports limbic system regulation, fostering emotional receptivity.

 

Duration of Mudra

• Beginners: 5–10 minutes daily.

• Intermediate: 10–20 minutes daily.

• Advanced: Up to 30 minutes during meditation or ritual practice.

 

Counter Mudra

• Abhaya Mudrā – to combine invocation with protective energy.

• Jnana Mudrā – to enhance mental clarity after invoking energy.

 

Conclusion

Avahana Mudrā is a powerful gesture of invocation, receptivity, and spiritual openness. Physically, it supports chest and shoulder alignment; mentally, it enhances focus and calm; spiritually, it helps the practitioner connect with divine energy, prāna, or universal consciousness. Regular practice nurtures devotion, mindfulness, and energetic alignment.

 

FAQ

Q1. When should Avahana Mudrā be practiced?
During rituals, mantra chanting, or meditation, especially when invoking positive energy or blessings.

Q2. Can it be combined with other mudrās?
Yes, it complements Abhaya Mudrā or Jnana Mudrā for protection and clarity.

Q3. Is it safe for beginners?
Yes, with mindful attention to arm and shoulder comfort.

 

References

1. Swami Satyananda Saraswati – Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha

2. Joseph & Lilian LePage – Mudras for Healing and Transformation

3. Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati – Yoga in Daily Life

4. Georg Feuerstein – The Yoga Tradition

5. Gertrud Hirschi – Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands