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
Rest the hands in the lap in dhyana mudra as you settle into meditation, the tips of the thumbs lightly touching. The closed circle of the hands is a simple, tactile cue to gather scattered attention, seal in a sense of calm, and turn the mind gently inward.
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
- Classical textGheranda Samhita, Chapter 3 (Mudras)— Classical Hatha source on yogic mudras.