Mudra

“Seal” or “gesture.” Specific positions, usually of the hands, that channel and seal pranic energy.

In Hatha Yoga, mudras go beyond hand gestures. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika describes mudras involving the whole body that combine asana, pranayama, and bandha.

The main mudras of classical Hatha Yoga include:

• Maha mudra — The great seal
• Khechari mudra — Seal of space
• Vajroli mudra — Thunderbolt seal

Mudras are considered advanced practices that awaken kundalini and should be learned under expert guidance.