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Yoga Mudra

योग मुद्रा

Also known as: Union Bow, Integration Mudra

Energy/HealingFire

Etymology

Yoga (योग) means 'union' or 'to yoke together' - fundamental concept of spiritual practice

Finger Position

Combined with seated forward fold and breath retention

Duration

10-20 minutes during integration practices

Difficulty

Intermediate

Associated Chakras

Muladhara(Root)

Sahasrara(Crown)

Bija Mantra: YOGA OM

Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points

MGN Notation

# Complex full-body mudra
# Primary hand component:
HAND(LEFT)
  PALM(INWARD)
  WRIST(STRAIGHT)
  T: STRAIGHT
  1: STRAIGHT
  2: STRAIGHT
  3: STRAIGHT
  4: STRAIGHT
  FINGERS(INTERLOCKED)

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

# Hands clasped behind back in seated forward fold

Instructions

This spiritual integration gesture promotes unity through careful embodied practice. Research on contemplative postures shows that forward-bending positions can activate parasympathetic responses when practiced safely with proper anatomical awareness (Iyengar, 1966). Formation: Seated cross-legged, clasp hands behind back with fingers interlaced, slowly fold forward only as comfortable. Never force this position or cause strain. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Those with back injuries, herniated discs, spi...

Quick Start Checklist

1[ ] Hands in meditation position representing union (Yoga)
2[ ] Breathe with awareness of spiritual union
3[ ] Feel individual-universal merger
4[ ] Hold 15-30 minutes for union consciousness

Benefits

Physical

•Stretches spine and shoulders
•massages abdominal organs
•improves digestion

Mental

•Promotes introspection
•enhances integration of experiences
•develops humility

Spiritual

Traditional texts describe this as "cultivating surrender and inner unity" — their terms for how forward-bending postures activate the parasympathetic nervous system's introspective functions. Practitioners often report that this gesture helps develop what ancient sources called "ego dissolution" — a humble, surrendered state that can support letting go of mental resistance and cultivating genuine

Precautions

!Avoid forcing the forward fold
!practice with respect for spine limitations

Clinical Applications

Guided Practice

Sit in meditation posture and clasp your hands behind your back with fingers interlaced. Take a deep breath to lengthen your spine, then slowly fold forward, bringing your forehead toward the ground while your clasped hands lift away from your back. This full-body integration combines physical surrender with mental submission to higher wisdom. Feel how the forward fold naturally quiets mental act

Symbolism

Traditional yogic texts describe this as the gesture of complete surrender - the physical embodiment of the yoga principle that individual will can align with universal wisdom. Ancient practitioners believed this forward-bending position represented what they called 'ego offering' - the humble recog