Contents
- Understanding the ether/space element
- Akasha mudra
- Shoonya mudra
- When to use Akasha mudra?
- When to use Shoonya mudra?
The ether/space element
As mentioned in the Basics of hasta (hand) mudra the middle finger represents the ether element so to understand the akasha (space/ether) and shoonya (nothingness) mudras better and to be able to use them properly we need to understand the space element first.
You might have heard people using the phrase “I need some space”. In which situations do people use this statement? It could be at times when they are feeling pressured by friends, family, colleagues, etc. People might have some unnecessary expectations from you which might be making you feel as if you are confined in a space and cannot expand your boundaries.
The wrong ideas/ identity or conclusions that you have created can also keep you confined in a boundary you have created for yourselves.
Another phrase that people use is “I am feeling spaced out”, this could be related to a state of confusion or an inability to think or pay attention. This could happen after doing some kind of meditation or after taking some kind of herbs (hallucinogens). For a short amount of time, this expansive feeling can be there but it can also create a state of confusion.
A decrease in space elements can make you feel confined in space and an increase in space elements can create a state of confusion or an inability to have a proper thought process.
Akasha mudra
Akasha means the ether or space element and mudra means a seal or a gesture. This mudra is done by joining the tip of the middle finger with the tip of the thumb, all the other fingers are relaxed. This mudra helps to balance our space element.
Shoonya mudra
Shoonya means nothingness or zero. Space/ether element is the subtlest of the elements and beyond it is nothingness. This mudra is done by bringing the tip of the middle finger to the base of the thumb, and the thumb resting on the top of the middle finger. All the other fingers are relaxed. This mudra helps to decrease the space element.
When to use akasha mudra?
The akasha mudras can be used when you are doing a dharna (contemplation) practice. You are feeling confined in a space by other people’s expectations of you or are trying to break free from your own ideas and identity “a feeling of I need some space”. This thought process can be supported with the help of akasha mudra.
When to use shoonya/ shunya mudra?
This mudra can be used to decrease the space element, at times when there is a state of confusion, a time when you don’t know what to do. Sometimes there are so many options that it is very confusing to choose one. Support your dharna (contemplation) practice with this mudra.