Mudra
Dhyana Mudra
Dhyāna Mudrāध्यान मुद्रा· dhee-YAH-nah MOO-drahgesture of meditation (dhyana)
Dhyana Mudra is the classic meditation gesture: both hands rest in the lap, one on top of the other with palms up and the thumb tips lightly touching, forming a bowl. It supports deep concentration and a settled, meditative state.
Step by step
- 1
Sit in a stable seat
Sit tall and comfortable, shoulders relaxed.
- 2
Rest the hands in the lap
Place the right hand on top of the left (or as feels natural), palms facing up.
- 3
Touch the thumb tips
Let the tips of the thumbs lightly touch, forming a gentle bowl or triangle.
- 4
Settle and meditate
Rest the hands in the lap, close the eyes, and follow the breath into meditation.
Benefits
- Supports deep concentration and meditation
- Creates a stable, contained gesture of stillness
- Encourages an upright, settled posture
- Calms the mind
About this practice
Dhyana Mudra is seen in countless images of meditating sages and the Buddha. The joined hands and touching thumbs form a closed circuit that quietly contains the attention — a gesture of pure meditation (dhyana).
Related practices
Frequently asked questions
- What is Dhyana Mudra used for?
- It's the classic gesture for deep meditation — both hands resting in the lap with thumb tips touching. It supports concentration and a settled, contained state of stillness.
- Which hand goes on top in Dhyana Mudra?
- Traditionally the right hand rests on the left, palms up, thumbs touching — though the essential point is a comfortable, symmetrical bowl shape in the lap.
References
- Gheranda Samhita, Chapter 3 (Mudras) · Classical text — Classical Hatha source on yogic mudras.