Anjali Mudra

Anjali mudra  is a hand posture used in daily life and during most yoga practices. You may also know it as Namaste position, prayer hands, or simply pressing the palms together.  Anjali is a Sanskrit word which means, “to offer”, and the term mudra means “seal”. This mudra symbolises a divine offering.

It is used to remind us to honour and celebrate this moment, and to offer unconditional love to all beings including ourselves without there being a need to ‘earn’ it.

It is also practiced whilst saying namaste which is often translated as “I bow to the divinity within you from the divinity within me.”  To see the divine within all of creation is the essence of the yogic practice and that is why this gesture is offered equally to all beings.

How to do the Mudra 

1. Taking your two hands in front of your chest, gently press the palms together.

2. Extend the pressure up through each finger and the thumbs to the very tips.

3. Keep the sides of your fingers touching.

4. There will naturally be a little hollow of space between the centres of the two palms.

5. Relax your shoulders away from your ears.

How to make it a part of your daily life and practice

Reminding yourself of the meaning of this mudra during your yoga practice and in daily life can really enhance your practice.

In daily life, this gesture can be used as a way of bridging inner and outer experiences, when saying grace before meals, communicating our truth within a relationship, or as a means of cooling the fires of stress when feeling rushed or anxious. Anjali mudra reminds us to offer love without conditions and use the gift of life wisely, seeing all beings as the divine.

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