✋

Pataka Mudra

पताक

Meditation/SpiritualAirSpace

Etymology

Pataka (पताक) means 'flag' or 'banner'

Finger Position

All fingers straight together, thumb at index finger base

Duration

During dance performance as needed

Difficulty

Beginner

Associated Chakras

Vishuddha(Throat)

Bija Mantra: MAYURA OM

Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points

MGN Notation

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

# All fingers straight together, thumb at index finger base

Instructions

This confidence projection gesture activates assertive communication. Research on power postures shows that extended hand positions can enhance self-confidence and reduce stress hormones while improving social presence (Carney et al., 2010). Formation: Extend all fingers straight and together, palm facing outward at shoulder height. This creates open, confident presentation while maintaining approachable energy. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Those with social anxiety should start gradually. Avoid if expe...

Quick Start Checklist

1Stand or sit tall; relax shoulders
2Form Pataka with both hands (flag gesture)
3Coordinate a smooth breath with simple arm phrases
4Keep movements light and easeful
52–5 minutes

Benefits

Physical

•Strengthens fingers and hand muscles
•improves dexterity

Mental

•Enhances focus and expression in dance

Spiritual

Traditional texts describe this as being "used for blessing, representing divine wind and movement" — their terms for how the flag-like hand position channels expansive energy and sacred expression. Ancient practitioners observed that extending the hand in this open formation while coordinating with breath creates what they called "blessing consciousness" — the graceful, expressive awareness that

Precautions

!For social anxiety
!begin with low-intensity holds and short durations
!Respect cultural context; avoid assertive gestures when inappropriate

Clinical Applications

ADHD & Attention TrainingAnxiety & Stress ManagementDepression & Mood Support

Guided Practice

Form a flag by extending all fingers straight and together with palm facing forward. Keep your thumb positioned close to your index finger base, creating a unified, strong hand formation. This clear directional gesture activates focus and confident expression. Many practitioners notice increased clarity of intention and courage to stand for their values within minutes. Silently sound MAYURA OM (

Symbolism

Traditional Ayurvedic medicine describes this mudra as creating perfect balance between water (cooling, flowing, nourishing) and fire (warming, activating, transforming) elements within the body. Ancient practitioners believed this finger contact activated what they called 'optimal hydration conscio