Uttarabodhi Mudra

उत्तरबोधि मुद्रा

Meditation/SpiritualFire

Etymology

Uttara (उत्तर) means 'higher/supreme', Bodhi (बोधि) means 'enlightenment'

Finger Position

Index fingers pointing up, thumbs down, other fingers interlocked

Duration

15-20 minutes for clarity

Difficulty

Intermediate

Associated Chakras

Manipura(Solar Plexus)
Ajna(Third Eye)
Bija Mantra: BODHI OM
Tarjani(Air)Madhyama(Space)Anamika(Earth)Kanishthika(Water)Angutha(Fire)

Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points

MGN Notation

HAND(LEFT)
  PALM(INWARD)
  WRIST(STRAIGHT)
  T: STRAIGHT
  1: STRAIGHT
  2: BENT
  3: BENT
  4: BENT
  FINGERS(INTERLOCKED)

HAND(RIGHT)
  PALM(INWARD)
  WRIST(STRAIGHT)
  T: STRAIGHT
  1: STRAIGHT
  2: BENT
  3: BENT
  4: BENT
  FINGERS(INTERLOCKED)

# Index fingers pointing up, thumbs down, other fingers interlocked

Instructions

This clarity enhancement gesture activates mental focus through coordinated bilateral finger positioning. Research on bilateral brain coordination shows that specific hand positions can improve cognitive function and decision-making abilities (Christman et al., 2003). Formation: Interlace fingers with both index fingers pointing upward together, creating temple-like structure at heart level. Thumbs may point down or be interlaced. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Those with severe anxiety about decision-mak...

Quick Start Checklist

  • 1Sit upright; interlace fingers at heart level
  • 2Extend both index fingers upward pointing together
  • 3Thumbs can point down or be interlaced
  • 4Hold at heart center; breathe naturally
  • 5Practice 15-20 minutes for mental clarity
  • 6Focus on supreme wisdom and enlightened decision-making

Benefits

Physical

  • Calms nervous system
  • improves digestive function

Mental

  • Calms agitated mind
  • soothes nerves
  • improves self-confidence
  • removes fear
  • aids problem-solving and decision-making

Spiritual

Traditional texts describe this as "supporting concentrated attention and clear thinking" — their terms for how pointing both index fingers upward while interlacing other fingers activates the parasympathetic nervous system's focus-enhancement functions. Practitioners often report that this formation helps develop what ancient sources called "sustained clarity" — the calm, clear mental state that

Clinical Applications

Guided Practice

Traditional Buddhist iconographic mudra representing focused intention and clear thinking. Gently interlace your fingers at heart level, allowing both index fingers to point upward together while keeping other fingers comfortably interlocked. This balanced hand positioning may help settle mental activity and support natural concentration. Many practitioners find this formation helpful for quiet r

Symbolism

Traditional Buddhist iconography describes this mudra as representing focused intention and the integration of mental faculties for clear understanding. Ancient practitioners believed this formation represented what they called 'unified attention' - the capacity to bring scattered mental energies in

Traditional Uses

Enlightenment practicesdecision-makingfear removal
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