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Karuna Mudra

करुणा मुद्रा

Also known as: Universal Compassion Mudra, Loving-Kindness Gesture

Meditation/SpiritualFire

Etymology

Karuna (करुणा) means 'compassion' - one of the four divine states in Buddhism

Finger Position

Left hand cupped at heart, right hand cupped over left hand with fingertips touching

Duration

15-25 minutes for compassion cultivation

Difficulty

Beginner

Associated Chakras

Anahata(Heart)

Bija Mantra: NAGA OM

Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points

MGN Notation

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

Instructions

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...

Quick Start Checklist

1Sit comfortably; form hands expressing compassion
2Could be hands at heart
3reaching out
4or embracing gesture
5Breathe with loving-kindness for all beings
6Practice 10-20 minutes; cultivate universal compassion
7Extend loving awareness to self and others
8Let compassion radiate outward without boundaries

Benefits

Physical

•Opens heart and chest area
•improves circulation
•releases emotional tension

Mental

•Cultivates universal compassion
•reduces judgment and criticism
•enhances empathy

Spiritual

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

Precautions

!Practice with genuine intention
!allow natural arising of compassion without forcing

Clinical Applications

Guided Practice

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. Practic

Symbolism

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