Abhaya Mudra (Ah-bha-ya) - Fearlessness Gesture
Abhaya Mudra, with its focus on instilling courage and fearlessness, can be particularly beneficial for reducing fear and anxiety, promoting tranquility, and encouraging openness and confidence.
Instructions
- Stand or sit comfortably.
- Raise your right hand to shoulder level with the palm facing outward and fingers extended upwards.
- The left hand can rest on the lap or thigh, or form a complementary mudra.
- Keep the elbow slightly bent and relaxed.
- Gaze softly at the horizon or close your eyes to internalize the practice.
Benefits
- Instills a sense of courage and protection.
- Reduces fear and anxiety.
- Promotes peace and tranquility.
- Encourages openness and confidence.
- Helps in overcoming obstacles with a positive mindset.
When to Practice
- When feeling fearful or anxious.
- Before starting a new venture or facing a challenge.
- During meditation to cultivate inner strength.
- In moments of seeking peace and calmness.
Contraindications
- None
—— 🕉 ——
Personal Insights
When I teach about Abhaya mudra I like to akin it to "stop" or "talk to the hand". As these phrases make us assess or re-assess what is going on. In this way we can create fearlessness by stopping and addressing what's causing us fear and realizing that fear is unnecessary which is when we tell our fears to talk to the hand.
While Abhaya is an interesting mudra to practice. I've personally used it as a symbol in my life when I encounter this gesture of fearlessness, I'm reminded to take a breath, step back, and look at what's causing me to act in fear.
