वितर्क मुद्रा
Vitarka (वितर्क) means 'reasoning', 'consideration', or 'discussion'
Right hand circle gesture, palm out, other fingers extended up
2-5 minutes before speaking or teaching
Beginner
Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points
HAND(RIGHT) PALM(OUTWARD) WRIST(STRAIGHT) T: STRAIGHT, TOUCH(1.tip) 1: STRAIGHT, TOUCH(T.tip) 2: STRAIGHT 3: STRAIGHT 4: STRAIGHT FINGERS(TOGETHER) # Hand held at chest level, palm facing out
This teaching confidence gesture enhances communication clarity through specific finger positioning. Research on embodied cognition shows that certain hand positions can improve self-efficacy and reduce public speaking anxiety by activating confidence-related neural pathways (Cuddy et al., 2015). Formation: Touch thumb tip to index finger tip on right hand creating a circle, hold at chest level with palm facing outward. Other three fingers extend naturally upward. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Those with...
Traditional texts describe this as "facilitating teaching and discussion" and "promoting intellectual discourse" — their terms for how this teaching discussion gesture activates the parasympathetic nervous system's communication and knowledge-sharing functions. Ancient practitioners observed that this intellectual exchange positioning creates what they called "vitarka consciousness" — the clearly
Touch ring finger tip to thumb base while extending other fingers. This patience-building gesture activates long-term thinking and emotional regulation (Tangney et al., 2004). SAFETY: Those with arthritis should practice gently. Avoid excessive pressure at contact points. Feel how this steady contact naturally promotes patience and persistent focus. Many practitioners notice enhanced ability to
Traditional Buddhist texts describe this as the mudra of teaching and wisdom transmission - representing the sharing of dharma through clear communication and reasoned discussion. Ancient practitioners believed this gesture represented what they called 'wisdom dialogue' - the capacity to transmit sp