Mudra

“Seal” or “gesture.” Specific positions, usually of the hands, that channel and seal pranic energy.

In Haṭha Yoga, mudras go beyond hand gestures. The Haṭha Yoga Pradipika describes mudras involving the whole body that combine asana, pranayama, and bandha.

The main mudras of classical Haṭha Yoga include:

• Maha mudra — The great seal
• Khechari mudra — Seal of space
• Vajroli mudra — Thunderbolt seal

Mudras are considered advanced practices that awaken kundalini and should be learned under expert guidance.