Yogendra Yoni Mudra is one of the unique techniques pioneered by The Yoga Institute, Mumbai. The word ‘yoni’ means womb. In yoga and Indian philosophical thought, the yoni is symbolically the divine womb (Brahmayoni) or the cosmic golden womb (Hiranyagarbha) from which the entire cosmic universe has emerged. Yoni Mudra enables abstraction or sense withdrawal. The senses which are normally directed towards the world are directed inwards to experience the universe within. Yoni Mudra is a technique for practicing Pratyahara or abstraction, with the aim of withholding the conscious mind from soliciting sensory perceptions. This unique technique draws inspiration from a tortoise, which withdraws its limbs inside its shell the moment it perceives a danger, in order to conserve energy. Yoni Mudra provides the best psycho-physical method for inducing and developing neutrality under undesirable surroundings.
Step-by-Step Guide to Practice Yogendra Yoni Mudra:
Starting position:
1. Sit in Padmasana or any other meditative posture. If it is not possible to sit on the floor, sit on a firm chair with an erect backrest.
2. Keep the body above the waist straight and the spine erect. Eyes closed.
Sequence of steps:
1. Place your thumbs on the flaps of your ears and the index fingers resting gently on the eyelashes.
2. Place the middle fingers on the respective nostrils.
3. The ring fingers are placed above the lips and the little fingers below them. Ensure that your elbows are at shoulder level, parallel to the ground.
4. Passively observe the breath. Mind may wander to other thoughts but gently bring it back to breath.
5. If the arms ache, end the practice and bring the hands gently down to rest on the lap.
6. Make a cup of the palms and place them on the eyes. Blink gently in the cup of the palms and then open the eyes.
Recommended practice:
Practice daily in the morning/ during the day, as required. Maintain the mental state for as long as possible.
Limitations /Contraindications:
1. Psychological disorder – depression.
2. Yoni Mudra involves a specific hand positioning, which may be challenging for individuals with limited hand mobility or certain physical conditions affecting the hands or arms.
3. Due to its name and symbolism, Yoni Mudra may be misunderstood by those unfamiliar with its context. It's important for practitioners to understand its spiritual and philosophical underpinnings to avoid misinterpretation or discomfort.
Yoni Mudra Benefits:
1. Helps the mind to withdraw the senses–reduces unnecessary chatter.
2. Provides the required pause – needed for change of perception.
3. Greatly aids in bringing a distracted mind to attentiveness.
4. Brings clarity of thought.
5. Practicing Yoni mudra is believed to help balance and channel creative energy, promote introspection, and connect with oneself.
6. It can be incorporated into your meditation or pranayama (breathing exercises) practices to deepen awareness and cultivate a sense of inner harmony.
7. Yoni Mudra can help calm the mind, leading to improved focus, concentration, and mental clarity. It helps in reducing mental chatter and distractions, allowing one to delve deeper into meditation or contemplation.
8. Yoni Mudra is often used as a preparatory practice for meditation. By incorporating this mudra into meditation sessions, practitioners may experience deeper states of relaxation, heightened awareness, and a stronger connection to their inner selves.
Yogendra Yoni Mudra is a profound technique for cultivating inner stillness and heightened awareness, drawing inspiration from the natural wisdom of the tortoise. Through its deliberate hand positioning and focused breath observation, this practice guides individuals towards the state of Pratyahara, where the senses are withdrawn, allowing for a deeper connection with the self. While acknowledging its limitations and the need for contextual understanding, the benefits of Yoni Mudra extend beyond mere physical posture, encompassing mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual alignment.
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