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Shanmuki Mudra

In Sanskrit, Shan means "six," Mukhi means "face" or "gate" and Mudra means "gesture." This practice is a Mana Mudra meaning "head gesture" practice and is described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita as well as the Shiva Samhita.

This Mudra is described as a practice that gives the practitioner the ability to never be polluted by sins. This practice is a practice that represents closing the six gates of perception - the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. This practice redirects the awareness inward by closing the six gates of outer perception.

The best time to preform this practice is in the early morning or before bed and after the practice of Asana and Pranayama and before Meditation.

Practice

Sit in a Meditative Asana or a comfortable seated position.

Place the hands in front of the face with the elbows pointing outward.

Bring the thumbs to the ears and close the ears.

Close the eyes and lightly touch the inner corners of the eyes with the index fingers.

Bring the middle fingers on either side of the nose.

The ring fingers are placed above the mouth.

The pinky fingers are below the mouth.

Duration

Practice for 5 minutes, gradually building up to 30 minutes over several months.

Note

This practice is often used as a preparation for Meditation.

While practicing, listen to the inner sounds while looking for colors or figures that appear with the closed eyes.

This practice is best preformed in the early morning hours or late at night when there is the maximum amount of quite time. Practicing during this time helps to awaken psychic sensitivity.

This practice is used Nada Yoga to hear any sounds in Bindu Chakra. Do not try to hear any sounds, just be an observer and allow enough time with this practice.

This practice is also preformed in other techniques of Yoga to enhance visualization.