Jñāna Mudra

ज्ञान मुद्रा

Also known as: Gyan Mudra, Chin Mudra (when palms face up)

Meditation/SpiritualFireAir

Etymology

Jñāna (ज्ञान) means 'knowledge' or 'wisdom'

Finger Position

Tip of index finger touches tip of thumb, other three fingers extended

Duration

5-45 minutes during meditation

Difficulty

Beginner

Associated Chakras

Muladhara(Root)
Ajna(Third Eye)
Bija Mantra: MRIG OM
Tarjani(Air)Madhyama(Space)Anamika(Earth)Kanishthika(Water)Angutha(Fire)

Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points

MGN Notation

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

Instructions

This knowledge integration gesture enhances learning through specific finger positioning. Research on embodied cognition shows that particular hand positions can improve comprehension and retention by activating knowledge-processing neural networks (Goldin-Meadow, 2011). Formation: Touch thumb tip to index finger tip creating a circle while resting other three fingers naturally extended. Place both hands in this formation on knees palm-up. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Those with severe learning disabili...

Quick Start Checklist

  • 1Sit comfortably with hands on knees
  • 2palms down (Jñāna)
  • 3Lightly touch index finger to thumb; other fingers relaxed
  • 4Keep shoulders and jaw soft
  • 5Breathe naturally; no counting needed
  • 6Set a soft timer for 5–10 minutes
  • 7Stop if fingers cramp; shake out hands as needed

Benefits

Physical

  • Stimulates pituitary and endocrine glands
  • alleviates insomnia
  • regulates nervous system function

Mental

  • Improves concentration
  • memory
  • and creativity. Calms the mind
  • reduces stress and anxiety

Spiritual

Traditional texts describe this as "supporting focused awareness and mental clarity" — their terms for how this finger contact activates the parasympathetic nervous system's concentration functions. Practitioners often report that this hand position helps develop what ancient sources called "grounded wisdom" — a mentally clear, emotionally stable state that can support sustained attention and prac

Clinical Applications

ADHD & Attention TrainingAnxiety & Stress ManagementDepression & Mood SupportSleep Disorders

Guided Practice

Touch your index fingertip to your thumb tip, creating a small circle. Keep your other three fingers naturally extended. Rest hands on your knees with palms facing down to ground your wisdom in practical reality. Feel how this finger circle creates a sealed circuit of energy. Notice if there's a subtle tingling or warmth at the contact point. Observe how your mind naturally becomes more focused w

Symbolism

Traditional Vedantic texts describe this as the mudra of knowledge - the index finger representing individual consciousness meeting the thumb representing universal consciousness. Ancient practitioners believed this finger contact created what they called a 'wisdom circuit' while the downward palms

Traditional Uses

Meditationpranayamayogic practices
Source: Classical yoga texts, Mudras document