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Kartarimukha Mudra

कर्तरीमुख

Meditation/SpiritualFireAir

Etymology

Kartarimukha (कर्तरीमुख) means 'scissors face'

Finger Position

Index and little fingers up, other fingers grouped together

Duration

During dance sequences as needed

Difficulty

Intermediate

Associated Chakras

Manipura(Solar Plexus)

Vishuddha(Throat)

Bija Mantra: OM (universal sound of clarity)

Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points

MGN Notation

HAND(RIGHT)
  PALM(FORWARD)
  WRIST(STRAIGHT)
  T: STRAIGHT, TOUCH(3)
  1: STRAIGHT
  2: BENT
  3: STRAIGHT, TOUCH(T)
  4: STRAIGHT
  FINGERS(V_SPLIT)

# Index and little fingers extended up, others grouped together

Instructions

This classical dance hand gesture creates precise finger coordination that enhances focus and decision-making clarity. Research on fine motor control shows that finger independence exercises can improve cognitive function and motor planning abilities. Formation: Extend index and middle fingers straight while separating them like scissors. Curl ring finger, little finger, and thumb together for support. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Those with arthritis or finger injuries should practice gently. Avoid for...

Quick Start Checklist

1Index and middle fingers extended like scissors (Kartarimukha)
2Other fingers curled; thumb supports
3Use in dance or expressive gestures
4Practice briefly during creative expression

Benefits

Physical

•Develops finger independence and dexterity

Mental

•Enhances precise motor control and artistic expression

Spiritual

Traditional texts describe this as "cultivating discerning awareness and clear boundaries" — their terms for how precise cutting gestures activate the parasympathetic nervous system's discrimination functions. Practitioners often report that this formation helps develop what ancient sources called "wisdom sword" — a clear, decisive state that can support cutting through confusion and maintaining h

Precautions

!Practice gently with arthritis; avoid forcing finger extension
!Rest hands if tingling or fatigue develops

Clinical Applications

ADHD & Attention TrainingAnxiety & Stress Management

Guided Practice

Extend your index and middle fingers straight while separating them like scissors. Keep your thumb, ring finger, and little finger curled together for support. This precise finger positioning enhances cognitive clarity and motor coordination. SAFETY: Those with arthritis should practice gently. Avoid forcing finger extensions or creating strain. Feel how this precise finger coordination naturall

Symbolism

Traditional dance texts describe this as representing the scissors or cutting implement - the capacity to make precise distinctions and clear separations when needed. Ancient practitioners believed this gesture represented what they called 'discriminating wisdom' - the ability to cut through illusio