MUDRA, THE SACRED SECRET

A new book by Indu Arora

( www.yogsadhna.com )

I warmly welcome this new book by my dear friend Indu Arora, a lovely divine spirit in human form who is a teacher and therapist par-excellence. One of the beautiful qualities that attracted me to Indu is that of her willingness to learn through her teachings and acknowledge the influence her students have had in her life and spiritual growth. This to me is the true yogic character, one of openness and gratitude. One that makes me very happy to witness that such a teacher and therapist, a true healer exists on this planet.

This ‘baby’ of hers is a testimony to her ability to spread the true and wholesome wisdom of both Yoga and Ayurveda, the twin treasures of Indian culture. It is a monumental effort, one that enables all sincere Sadhakas to dwell deeper into the truer reality of the universe itself. Everything is energy and the art and science of mudra is a vital, secret key to unlocking our own personal, innate connections with such energy.

In this masterpiece, Indu Arora has explored the length and breadth of Hasta Mudras as perceived through different cultural and spiritual traditions including Yoga, Tantra, Sanathana Dharma, Buddhism and Indian Classical Dance. She traces the origin and history of Mudra with adequate textual references and appropriate quotations that explore the spirituality, psychology, philosophy and science of Mudra.

With excellent photographs and illustrations she explores the beauty, the spirit as well as the multifaceted benefits of Hasta Mudras. As an excellent teacher, she also makes sure that her readers get clear guidelines for their own personal practice.

The various well thought out sections of the book include both the general mudras of the hands (Vyaavahaarika Hasta Mudras) as well as the therapeutic hand gestures (Cikitsaka Hasta Mudras). These are detailed in a very enjoyable and comprehensive manner.

She has made sure that the deeper aspects of Mudra are covered through sections on the Yoga Tattva Mudras exploring gestures relevant for the five elements of nature. This is an important component of all healing traditions and enhances our understanding of links between the microcosm and macrocosm. The sacred worship of the five Pranic flows, the Pancha Pranas through Upasana Mudras is much appreciated for its relationship in manifesting health in all dimensions.

For those interested in enhancing the healing energies for health and vitality, the section on Cikitsaka Sparsha Mudrs is very useful as it details the therapeutic gestures of touch. This will be especially interesting for those who are familiar with the Gitananda tradition as it uses methods similar to our practice of the Vibhaga Pranayama. In fact to the best of my knowledge this type of approach is unique to Swami Gitananda Giriji’s teachings that have now percolated in popular Yoga circles worldwide.

It is very heartening to see her include both the Adhyatmika Hasta Mudras that facilitate the awakening of one’s innate higher spirituality as well as Sapta Chakra Mudras that enable the harmonization all seven Chakras. These are not commonly taught and hence are very useful for those interested in the deeper energy practices of Yoga and Tantra.

Anyone who has respect for the spiritual traditions of India will know the importance of the Gayatri Mantra in daily life of one who follows the Sanathana Dharma lifestyle. Here it is praiseworthy that Indu has included the Gayatri Mantra Mudras that are used in the practice of Gayatri Japa Sadhana of all traditional Indians.

She has rightly ended with the Shadanga Nyasa Mudras that are vital for the protection of a sincere Sadhaka against negative forces that arise from both outside as well as inside ones’ own self. These can be used to awaken the heart, shield the body, awaken insight, release negativity and guide the intellect.

I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Indu for this tremendous Yoga Seva and wish to witness future ‘babies’ from her spirit highlighting among others, the left over aspects of Mudra including Kaya, Chakshu, Mukha, Sirsha, Griva and Jivha mudras of the whole body, eyes, face, head, neck and tongue.

May we all continue to grow and glow in the spirit of unity with the blessings of our Divine Mother, the benevolent universal energy of Yoga itself.

Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani

Chairman ICYER at Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry, India. www.rishiculture.org