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
Anjali Mudra accompanies the greeting 'Namaste' — 'I bow to you' — palms joined at the heart. Bringing the two hands together is said to balance the two sides of the body and mind, and to honour the shared light within each person.
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
- Gheranda Samhita, Chapter 3 (Mudras) · Classical text — Classical Hatha source on yogic mudras.