Friday, November 06, 2009
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
GYAN MUDRA
GYAN MUDRA
The thumb and the index finger are brought together in gentle contact, not pressing hard, while all other fingers are kept upright. This is the mudra most people are familiar with.
Great thinkers such as Buddha, Mahavir, Christ and Guru Nanak are generally depicted in this pose. Its practice ensures mental peace, concentration, sharp memory and spiritual feelings.
It cures insomnia and mental disorders, and dissipates tension, depression and drowsiness. This is a must for those who aspire to develop telepathy or wish to acquire extrasensory abilities.
APAN VAYU MUDRA
APAN VAYU MUDRA
(Also known as Mritsanjeevini Mudra)
Fold the forefinger down and touch the mound of the thumb. The little finger should be held erect.
It regulates complications of the heart. In a severe heart attack, if administered as a first aid measure within the first two seconds, it provides instant relief.
PRAN MUDRA
PRAN MUDRA
Touch the points of the little finger and the ring finger to the tip of the thumb lightly.
This is a life-giving mudra, it energizes the body and improves its vitality.
It helps to improve eyesight. A must for those who feel nervous, tired and weak.
Hirschi, p70
This mudra is associated with the root chakra, in which the elemental force of a human being is found. I like to compare this place with a fire that iseither ablaze or just glows queietly. How brightly the fire burns depends on how well we tend it. This finger position stimulates thnourishin energy in the pelvic floor.
The mudra generally improves vitality, reduces fatigue and nervousness and improves vision. It is also used against eye diseases. On the mental emotional level it increase our staying power and assertiveness, healthy self confidence gives us the courage to start something new, and the strength to see things through. Clear eyes are also a sign of amental outlook emphasizing clarity and a clear mind, which means clearly structured thoughts and ideas.
According to Kim da Silva,when you do the Pran Jucra you can also put your thumb onto the fingernails of the other two fingers instead of their tips. This has the effect of causing both of the right and left brain hemispheres to function equally, become active, and mutually complement each other, which is very important for holistic health.
Nervousness is usually a sign of weakness, of too much distraction and too little inner stability. The mudra, combined with a conscious, slow and gently way of breathing- has the effect of being as stabilizing and calming as a secure anchor.
SURABHI MUDRA
SURABHI MUDRA
Join the little finger of one hand with the ring finger of the other and vice versa. Similarly, join the forefinger with the middle finger of the other hand and vice versa. Leave the thumbs free.
This controls rheumatic inflammation and sharpens your intellect.
APAN MUDRA
APAN MUDRA
Join the middle finger and the ring finger with the tip of the thumb; the forefinger and the little finger should be held upright.
Provides relief in urinary problems and eases difficulty in labor and delivery. It facilitates the discharge of waste matter from the body and purifies the syst
Hirschi, p74
This mudra supports the removal of waste materials and toxins from the body, as well as eliminatiing urinary problems, according to Keshav Dev.
This mudra also stimulates the wood element, which is associated with the energy of the liver and gallbladder. This element also contains the power and pleasure of springtime, of new beginnings of tackling and shaping visions for the future.
In addition, the Apan Mudra has a balancing effect on the mind, which is largely dependent upon a well functioning liver. It gives us patience, serenity, confidence, inner balance and harmony. In the mental realm, it creates the ability to develop vision. You need all of this when you look into the future, while facing new challenges and if your wishes are to be fullfilled.
LINGA MUDRA
LINGA MUDRA
Join both the palms and lock the facing fingers together, keeping one thumb upright. The upright thumb must be encircled by the other thumb and the index finger.
Makes the body resistant to colds, coughs and chest infections by generating heat in the body, and destroying accumulated phlegm in the chest.
It helps in weight reduction too, but has to be practiced with restraint.
The intake of at least eight glasses of water, and butter and ghee (clarified butter) as cooling agents in sufficient quantities is a must.
Due to the heat it generates, it may not be possible to practice this mudra with as much ease and flexibility as the other mudras. It might prove taxing and result in a feeling of lethargy.
SHUNYA MUDRA
SHUNYA MUDRA
Bring the middle finger down to touch the palm and bring the padding of the thumb on top of it, keeping the other fingers straight up.
Do this for 40 minutes a day.
This mudra is ideal for ailments of the ear, and also helps those of the nose and the throat.
Even five minutes of this mudra will help an earache.
VARUNA MUDRA
VARUNA MUDRA
Touch the tip of the little finger with the tip of the thumb while the other fingers are kept upright.
Regular practice ensures an optimum level of water in the body and heals all ailments connected with dehydration.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The Medicine Buddha (Bhaishajyaguru)
Tibet
The Medicine Buddha (Bhaishajyaguru)
19th century
67.1999
Art Gallery of New South Wales
The Medicine Buddha (Bhaishajyaguru)
19th century
67.1999
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Maitreya (Buddha of the Future) 566.1996
China
Maitreya (Buddha of the Future)
Yuan dynasty 1279 - 1368/China
14th century
566.1996
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Maitreya (Buddha of the Future)
Yuan dynasty 1279 - 1368/China
14th century
566.1996
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Buddha calling the earth to witness 83.1997
Burma
Buddha calling the earth to witness
late 12th century
83.1997
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Buddha calling the earth to witness
late 12th century
83.1997
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Standing Buddha 428.1985
Thailand
Standing Buddha
15th century
428.1985
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Standing Buddha
15th century
428.1985
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Figure of Buddha 85.1986
Swat Valley/Ancient Gandhara/Pakistan
Figure of Buddha
Kushan period mid 1st century - early 5th century/India
2nd century
85.1986
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Seated Buddha
Central Java/Java/Indonesia
Seated Buddha
9th century
1.2000
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Standing Buddha
Peninsular Thailand/Thailand
Standing Buddha
8th century
41.2000
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Figure of Buddha
Fonduqistan/Gandhara/Afghanistan
Figure of Buddha
6th century-7th century
268.1996
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Amida Buddha
Japan
Pure Land sect (Japan)
Amida Buddha
Kamakura period 1185 - 1333/Japan
early 14th century
EV1.1962
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Figure of the Buddha
Laos
Figure of the Buddha seated on a high ornate base, with his right hand in the earth-touching gesture ('bhumisparsha mudra')
circa 16th century
440.2003
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Taima mandala
Japan
Pure Land sect (Japan)
Taima mandala (depicting the Western paradise presided over by Amida Buddha)
Kamakura period 1185 - 1333/Japan
early 14th century
369.1991
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Buddha seated in vitarka mudra with halo and chattra
Central Java/Java/Indonesia
Buddha seated in vitarka mudra with halo and chattra
circa 10th century
225.2006
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Standing Sakyamuni Buddha flanked by two Bodhisattva
China
Standing Sakyamuni Buddha flanked by two Bodhisattva
Eastern Wei 534 - 550/Northern dynasties 386 - 581/China
circa 0545
128.1988
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Buddha enthroned under the seven headed naga
Thailand
Buddha enthroned under the seven headed naga
Bangkok period 1782 to present/Thailand
early 19th century
8337
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Buddha sheltered by the seven-headed serpent, Mucalinda
Cambodia
Buddha sheltered by the seven-headed serpent, Mucalinda
early 11th century
EV1.1965
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Buddhist stele with Buddha and two Bodhisattvas
China
Buddhist stele with Buddha and two Bodhisattvas
Northern Wei 386 - 535/Northern dynasties 386 - 581/China
6th century
314.2006
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Seated image of Amida Buddha
Japan
Pure Land sect (Japan)
Seated image of Amida Buddha
Heian period 794 - 1185/Japan
11th century-12th century
119.1984.a-b
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Buddha subduing Mara
Thailand
Buddha subduing Mara
Ayutthaya period 1350 - 1767/Thailand
14th century
341.1985
Buddha Amitabha and his pantheon
Korea
Unknown (Korea)
Buddha Amitabha and his pantheon
1931
179.2008
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Manla, the Medicine Buddha
Mongolia
Manla, the Medicine Buddha
17th century-early 18th century
321.2005
Art Gallery of New South Wales
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