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Unmani Mudra

In Sanskrit, Unmani means "no mind" or "no thinking" and Mudra means "gesture." This practice is a Mana Mudra meaning "head gesture" practice and is desctibed in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika Gheranda Samhita as well as the Shiva Samhita.

Unmani points to the state which is beyond thought and all attachment to the world of things is released. When preforming this practice do not try too hard, instead let the practice flower.

This practice is more of a mental practice then a physical practice, therefore with the eyes closed the practitioner experiences this process mentally.

Practice

Sit in a Meditative Asana or a comfortable seated position.

Open the eyes wide without strain.

Bring the awareness to Bindu Chakra, located at the cow lick on the back of the head.

Bring the awareness to the descending Chakras - Ajna, Vishuddhi, Anahata, Manipura, Svadhisthana and Muladhara.

The eyes slowly close with each Chakra.

Though the eyes may remain open, the attention should be on the Chakras and the descending Awarohan Nadi.

The eyes are open but you should be looking inside.

The eyes can be completely closed or slightly open when the awareness reaches Muladhara Chakra.

Duration

Practice 5 -10 minutes.

Precautions with Unmani Mudra

Do not practice if you have glaucoma, a recent eye surgery, or diabetic retinopathy.

Benefits of Unmani Mudra

Gives peace of mind by reducing stress and agitation.

Unfolds the inner glories of the Spirit through Samadhi meaning "liberation."

Related Hatha Yoga Practices

Shatkarma

The six cleansing actions are intended to be the start of a Yoga practice in order to clean, strengthen, remove toxins and improve the flow of Prana through out the practitioner.

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Asana

Yoga poses help to elongate and strengthen the muscles of the body as well as to calm the mind for the deeper spiritual practices of Yoga.

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Pranayama

Breathing exercises are a great practice to remove carbon dioxide, increase lung capacity as well as being a good preparatory practice for the deepest spiritual practice of Yoga, Meditation.

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Bandha

The four body locks that makes up this practice give the practitioner the ability to hold or lock Prana in certain locations of the body. These practices also allow the practitioner to release blockages that may be holding the practitioner back.

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Mudra

The gestures in this practice include the whole body and are intended to awaken Prana, Chakras as well as Kundalini energy within the practitioner.

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Meditation

Meditation is the highest spiritual practice of Yoga which is why this practice is the most difficult practice to preform, but with correct knowledge and dedication, can be the most profound practice of Yoga.

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