Duration: 3 minutes | Level: Beginner
Vitarka mudra
Vitarka mudra is a symbolic, ritualistic hand gesture used in yoga, Buddhism and Hinduism. The term comes from the Sanskrit, vitarka, meaning “reasoning,” “consideration” or “deliberation”; and mudra, meaning “closure,” “mark” or “seal.” Vitarka mudra is also known as the “gesture of debate” or the “discussion mudra.”
To perform vitarka mudra, the tip of the index finger and thumb touch while the other fingers extend toward the sky. The palm typically faces outward, away from the body.
Benefits
- <ul>
- <li>In vitarka mudra, the circle formed by the index finger and thumb symbolizes the flow of information and energy.</li>
- <li>This mudra is most often associated with the Buddha, representing the transmission of his wisdom and used when explaining his teachings.</li>
- <li>It is a common hand gesture used in Buddha statuary, particularly those of ancient Thailand.</li>
- </ul>
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