Mudra
Anjali Mudra
Añjali Mudrāअंजलि मुद्रा· AHN-jah-lee MOO-drahgesture of offering/reverence (anjali); the 'Namaste' gesture
Anjali Mudra is the familiar gesture of placing the palms together at the heart — the gesture of 'Namaste'. It centres the mind, expresses gratitude and reverence, and is used to open and close practice and to honour the connection between people.
Step by step
- 1
Bring the palms together
Press the palms lightly together in front of the heart, fingers pointing up.
- 2
Root the thumbs at the sternum
Rest the base of the thumbs gently against the breastbone.
- 3
Soften the shoulders
Draw the shoulders down and broaden the collarbones.
- 4
Pause and breathe
Take a breath here to centre — at the start or close of practice, or as a greeting.
Benefits
- Centres and calms the mind
- Expresses gratitude and reverence
- Balances the left and right sides of the body
- A grounding way to begin or end practice
About this practice
Bring the palms together at the heart in anjali mudra to open or close a practice, or to pause during the day. It is a small gesture of respect and gathering — pressing the hands lightly together draws the attention inward and marks a quiet threshold between one thing and the next.
Related practices
Frequently asked questions
- What is Anjali Mudra?
- The gesture of pressing the palms together at the heart — the 'Namaste' gesture. It centres the mind, expresses gratitude and reverence, and is used to open and close a yoga practice.
- Why do we place hands at the heart in yoga?
- Joining the palms at the heart in Anjali Mudra is a gesture of centering and respect, said to balance the body's two sides and honour the connection between teacher and student, or between people.
References
- Classical textGheranda Samhita, Chapter 3 (Mudras)— Classical Hatha source on yogic mudras.