करुणा मुद्रा
Also known as: Universal Compassion Mudra, Loving-Kindness Gesture
Karuna (करुणा) means 'compassion' - one of the four divine states in Buddhism
The hands have a disproportionately large area of representation in the brain's sensory and motor cortices, a concept visualized by the cortical homunculus.
A mudra holds the fingers in a specific, sustained posture, creating a stable and precise pattern of neural input from the hand to the brain.
This focused neural circuit influences brainwave activity and helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, allowing you to consciously shift your psychological and energetic state towards a desired quality like calmness or focus.
Left hand cupped at heart, right hand cupped over left hand with fingertips touching
15-25 minutes for compassion cultivation
Beginner
Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points
HAND(LEFT) PALM(INWARD) WRIST(STRAIGHT) T: CURVED 1: CURVED 2: CURVED 3: CURVED 4: CURVED FINGERS(CUPPED) POSITION(HEART_CENTER) HAND(RIGHT) PALM(INWARD) WRIST(STRAIGHT) T: CURVED 1: CURVED 2: CURVED 3: CURVED 4: CURVED FINGERS(CUPPED) POSITION(OVER_LEFT) # Left fingertips rest at base of right fingers, creating compassionate vessel at heart center
This compassion activation gesture promotes emotional regulation and empathy. Research on loving-kindness practices shows that specific hand positions can enhance oxytocin release and activate brain areas associated with compassionate responses (Klimecki et al., 2013). Formation: Cup hands around heart center with palms facing body, creating protective embrace. Breathe into the space between hands and heart. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Those with recent grief or trauma should practice with professional...
Traditional texts describe this as "cultivating universal compassion and loving-kindness" — their terms for how heart-opening gestures activate the parasympathetic nervous system's empathy and bonding functions. Practitioners often report that this mudra helps develop what ancient sources called "karuna consciousness" — a naturally compassionate state that can extend understanding and care to all
Bring your little finger to touch the base of your thumb, then lightly cover it with your thumb. Keep your other three fingers naturally extended. Rest both hands with this formation on your knees. This little finger positioning affects your body's communication and water balance. Many practitioners notice improved digestive function and better hydration regulation with regular practice. Practice when experiencing digestive issues, during periods of dehydration, or whenever you want to support healthy water balance and communication functions.
Traditional Buddhist texts describe karuna as one of the four divine abodes - the unlimited compassion that wishes for all beings to be free from suffering. Ancient practitioners believed this heart-centered gesture represented what they called 'universal compassion' - the capacity to feel genuine c