Kubera mudra is a hand gesture used in yoga to focus on spiritual and physical abundance, wealth, and success. In Hindu mythology, Kubera was the demi-god of wealth. Mudra is a Sanskrit term that means "seal," "mark," or "gesture." Since Kubera was said to be the god of wealth and abundance, performing the Kubera mudra may help direct your focus and energies on prosperity of all kinds.
The Potential Power of Mudras
Mudra postures usually involve using the fingers and palms to create hand gestures, though some mudras involve the eyes, face, and other body parts. In yoga philosophy, practicing mudras is meant to benefit various aspects of your health and well-being. Different areas of the hands are thought to stimulate different areas of the brain. The idea is that by applying light pressure to these areas, that specific area of the brain will be "activated", which will invoke the specific states of being (e.g., abundance) that a specific mudra is designed to do.
Performing mudras and incorporating them into your yoga practice may benefit your overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Steps to Perform Kubera Mudra
As you practice Kubera mudra, focus your energy and attention on inviting abundance into your life. Follow these steps to practice Kubera mudra:
- Sit in a comfortable position either on a chair or in a meditation pose on the floor. You may close your eyes or keep them open - whichever you prefer.
- Place your hands on your thighs, palms facing up.
- Move your index and middle fingers to the tip of your thumbs. Gently press them together with light pressure.
- Fold your middle and ring fingers into the center of your palms. Try not to clench your fingers/hands, but instead keep them as relaxed as possible while holding this position. Your hands should be relaxed as possible and not clenched together.
- Focus on your thumbs, index, and ring fingers and feel the energy flowing from within you and around you into the tips of your fingers.
- Set an intention for the wealth, prosperity, or abundance you desire. This can be said aloud or simply held as a thought in your mind.
- Remain in the Kubera mudra posture for 15 to 20 minutes. Maintain your focus on the sensations in your hands during this time. If your thoughts go elsewhere, return them to your fingers.
- When you are finished, release the fingers and hands slowly, and give thanks for the current blessings in your life and the blessings yet to come.
According to Yogapedia, each of the fingers involved in the Kubera mudra are a symbolic of a certain characteristic or attribute:
- Thumb represents forcefulness
- Index finger represents knowledge and growth
- Middle finger represents stability and justice
By bringing these fingers together and focusing on the sensations as you hold the posture, it is believed that your wishes will come true. Kubera mudra may also be used to improve self-esteem, build confidence, and help you feel more empowered.
What the Research Says About Mudras
No scientific research has been conducted about the effectiveness of Kubera mudra specifically, but researchers have explored the effects of other mudras on physical health.
A study published in the Indian Journal of Clinical Anatomy and Physiology explored the use of mudras to improve the respiratory health of people with asthma. Researchers determined that lung-specific mudras may improve respiratory function in asthma patients when practiced with focused breathing.
A 2021 study investigated the use of Brahma mudra to reduce neck pain and improve neck mobility. In the study, one group received physiotherapy, and another received physiotherapy and performed the Brahma mudra. At the end of the study, the group that performed the mudra had a significant reduction in pain and improved neck functionality compared to the physiotherapy-only group.
Adding Kubera Mudra to Your Yoga Practice
Practitioners of Kubera mudra believe that repeated use of the gesture leads to contentment, prosperity, and wishes fulfilled. Though there's no scientific data that backs up these claims, performing specific mudras with intention and focus at the very least can help you release negative thought patterns and help create a sense of inner peace and calm.
