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Dhyāna Mudra

ध्यान मुद्रा

Also known as: Yoga Mudra, Samadhi Mudra

Meditation/SpiritualFire

Etymology

Dhyāna (ध्यान) means 'meditation'

Finger Position

Right hand over left, palms up, thumbs touching to form triangle

Duration

15-60 minutes for deep meditation

Difficulty

Beginner

Associated Chakras

Svadhisthana(Sacral)

Ajna(Third Eye)

Bija Mantra: OM

Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points

MGN Notation

HAND(LEFT)
  PALM(UP)
  WRIST(STRAIGHT)
  T: STRAIGHT
  1: STRAIGHT
  2: STRAIGHT
  3: STRAIGHT
  4: STRAIGHT
  FINGERS(TOGETHER)

HAND(RIGHT)
  PALM(UP)
  WRIST(STRAIGHT)
  T: STRAIGHT, TOUCH(LEFT.T.tip)
  1: STRAIGHT
  2: STRAIGHT
  3: STRAIGHT
  4: STRAIGHT
  FINGERS(TOGETHER)

# Right hand rests on top of left hand in lap

Instructions

This classic meditation gesture promotes deep contemplative states. Research on bilateral hand positioning shows it enhances interoceptive awareness and activates default mode network patterns associated with self-reflection (Brewer et al., 2011). Formation: Rest right hand palm-up on left hand palm-up in lap, thumbs gently touching. This creates stable foundation for sustained meditation practice. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Those with severe dissociation or depersonalization should practice with prof...

Quick Start Checklist

1Sit in stable meditation posture
2Rest right hand over left in lap
3thumbs touching (classic Dhyāna)
4Relax jaw
5brow
6and shoulders
7Keep breath natural; no forcing
8Set a soft timer for 3–10 minutes

Benefits

Physical

•Promotes deep diaphragmatic breathing
•calms nervous system

Mental

•Promotes deep calm
•inner peace
•mental stillness
•excellent for profound meditation

Spiritual

Traditional texts describe this as "inducing samadhi (concentration)" and "balancing ida and pingala nadis" — their terms for how this meditation hand position activates the parasympathetic nervous system's deep meditative and energy-balancing functions. Ancient practitioners observed that this dhyana formation creates what they called "samadhi consciousness" — the profoundly concentrated, natural

Clinical Applications

ADHD & Attention TrainingAnxiety & Stress ManagementDepression & Mood SupportSleep Disorders

Guided Practice

Rest your left hand in your lap with palm facing up. Place your right hand on top with palm also up, thumbs gently touching. This creates the classic meditation bowl formation used by Buddha himself. Notice how this hand positioning naturally settles your mind and creates inner stability. Feel the gentle contact where your thumbs meet - this becomes an anchor for sustained attention. Most practit

Symbolism

Traditional Buddhist texts describe this as the exact hand position Buddha held during his enlightenment - the bowl-shaped hands representing the mind as a receptive vessel for wisdom, while the upward triangle formed by touching thumbs symbolizes the transcendence of duality. Ancient practitioners