It is so refreshing and rejuvenating for the mind and heart when Mr Krishnan Balaji, dressed in a kurta and pants and seated in a mat, explains about the various mental and physical issues that affect humans every day in his programme about yoga, “Thegam Sirakka Yogam”(Yoga for the benefit of the body) from 7.30am to 7.45am on Mega TV, a Tamil television channel. He shares his knowledge about the human health by explaining that most of the health issues faced by the humans are mostly caused by the imbalance of the five elements in their bodies. He also explains that these issues and along with other serious ailments such as heart problems and diabetes can be cured with the help of the regular practice of yoga asanas and mudras.
Mr Balaji explains these issues in a such a peaceful and friendly manner and with a gentle smile that will attract the attention of everyone and it will make them to realize the importance of physical and mental health. It would also successfully influence them to do yoga consistently to manage and resolve their health issues. After the explanation part of the problem is done, Mr Balaji then moves on to the next segment in the show which is about sharing with the viewers some mudras and asanas which could play a role in alleviating various health issues and also keeping them mentally and physically fit.
Then, these exercises are also demonstrated simultaneously by a person who is seated next to Mr Balaji while the latter is telling the viewers about them. He also shares with them the perfect time to do these exercises so that they would get the maximum benefit of doing them.
The immense power and potential of yoga, especially the mudras could be realized when Mr Balaji explains about the wide range of benefits that could be obtained from practising them. Mudras refers to the use of hand gestures during mediation that carry specific goals of channelling the energy flow of the body. As the intention of yoga is to draw oneself inward, mudras also allow a person to go inward and recharge the energy levels. There have been more than 100 mudras developed over the centuries and here are some of the mudras that hold the key for better physical and mental well-being of human beings:
- Linga Mudra
Linga Mudra helps to build heat and energy and it increases the fire element in the body. Diseases such as cold, asthma and low blood pressure are destroyed with the regular practise of this mudra. Most importantly, practising this mudra can help immensely during the time of this pandemic as research has proved that practising this mudra can help to increase oxygen levels which is very important during a pandemic.
- Vyana Mudra
Vyana Mudra invokes the elements of fire, wind and ether in the balanced state through its practise. It is also called as Byan Mudra in North India. By regularly practising this mudra, people can develop self-esteem and can also achieve mental stability. It also provides zeal and a sense of liveliness for the body. With regular practise of this mudra, lack of initiation, slowness of thoughts and perception can be corrected.
- Gyan Mudra
Gyan Mudra represents the union of the individual soul with the supreme soul by the contact of the index finger and the thumb when it is practised and it leads to developing wisdom and removing ignorance. It also enhances comprehension ability, memory and creative thinking and also leads to a sense of security, groundedness and removes fear. It also helps in the strengthening of the muscular system in the body.
- Shunya Mudra
Shunya Mudra represents the element of the inner heaven in the body and it also decreases the space element. It also conducts the fire elements in the body. This mudra is of immense significance in keeping the body physically and mentally fit. Some of the benefits that can be accrued by the practice of this mudra are: removal of heart and throat diseases, removes numbness and increases blood circulation and it also helps in the removal of the diseases related to the ear.
- Kubera Mudra
Kubera Mudra plays a major role in the accumulation of wealth and also in the fulfilment of our desires. It is used to create abundance and to evoke the blessings of the God of Wealth in Hindu Mythology. It makes use of the three elements of fire, air and space to bring about these changes in human beings. Some of the benefits of this Mudra are: helping in fulfilling the inner desires and goals, helps to create abundance that are related to the desires, helping in making the decisions in daily life and also in deciding our future course. It also leads to the sharpening of the “inner vision” in human beings.
As practising these mudras carries many benefits to the heart and mind, everyone should practice them and other mudras so that they would able to realize their full potential and lead healthy, happy and prosperous lives.
By Karuppiah Saravanapperumal, Bangalore
