Chakra Mudras With a Singing Bowl - One Hand Position for Each Chakra
Each chakra has its own mudra, a hand position you hold while the bowl rings. As I teach it, the seven are Gyana, Dhyana, Namaste, Hridaya, Vishuddhi, Agya and Sahasrara, from Root to Crown.
Key takeaways
- Seven mudras, one for each chakra, from Root to Crown.
- Two people: one plays the bowl, one holds the mudra.
- On your own: strike first, put the mallet down, then hold the mudra.
- Light contact: a mudra is soft, never tight.
- Lists differ between teachers, so follow one and stay with it.
Which mudra goes with which chakra?
| Chakra and mudra | Hand position | How to form it |
|---|---|---|
| Root Gyana mudra |
1. Thumb tip touches index fingertip 2. Other three fingers straight and relaxed, palms up on the knees |
|
| Sacral Dhyana mudra |
1. Thumb tips lightly touch 2. Right hand rests on the left, palms up, in the lap |
|
| Solar Plexus Namaste mudra |
1. Palms flat together, fingers pointing up 2. Thumbs rest lightly on the breastbone |
|
| Heart Hridaya mudra |
1. Index fingertip folded to the base of the thumb 2. Middle and ring fingertips touch the thumb tip 3. Little finger straight |
|
| Throat Vishuddhi mudra |
1. Thumb tips touch above the hands 2. Fingers crossed on the inside of the hands |
|
| Third Eye Agya mudra |
1. Both index fingers straight and touching 2. Fingers interlaced with thumbs crossed, held lightly at the brow |
|
| Crown Sahasrara mudra |
1. Ring fingers straight, touching at the tips, pointing up 2. Other fingers crossed |
The numbers in each drawing match the numbers in the last column.
These are the mudras as I was taught them. Other teachers use other lists, and that is normal.
What is a mudra for?
- A place for the hands: they stop fidgeting and rest.
- A point of attention: one more thing for the mind to stay with.
- A marker: changing the mudra tells you that you have moved to the next chakra.
The tradition links each mudra with its chakra. A mudra with a bowl supports an attentive state, and it is not a treatment for any condition.
How do you hold a mudra while you play?
There are two ways. With two people, one plays the bowl and the other holds the mudra. On your own, you strike first and hold the mudra after.
With two people
- The player sits beside the bowl and strikes it softly, with a pause between strikes.
- The other person sits or lies still and holds the mudra the whole time.
- Change the mudra when the player moves to the next chakra bowl.
This is how a session with a healer works, and it is the easiest way to keep a mudra steady.
On your own
- 1. Strike the bowl softly, once.
- 2. Put the mallet down beside the bowl.
- 3. Form the mudra and hold it until the sound has faded.
- 4. Rest your hands, then strike again.
Three strikes for each chakra is a simple start.
Looking for a meditation bowl?
See our meditation singing bowls, 5 to 12 inch in the C note. A mallet and cushion come with every bowl.
Which mudras need the most care?
- Dhyana: keep the thumbs barely touching. Pressed thumbs mean tension, and thumbs that fall apart mean you have drifted.
- Namaste: keep a small, steady pressure between the palms, with the elbows relaxed.
- Hridaya: set it up slowly. It should feel settled, not held by effort.
- Agya: touch the brow very lightly, or hold the shape just in front of it.
Which bowl goes with each mudra?
| What you have | How to practise | Look at |
|---|---|---|
| One bowl | One mudra for one chakra, or Dhyana mudra for a general session | 8 inch mindfulness singing bowl |
| A set of seven | Change the mudra as you move to each bowl | Singing bowl sets |
| A set built for you | Choose tradition, size range and number of bowls | Set builder |
| One bowl made your way | Ask for the note of the chakra you work with most | Custom singing bowl |
The order you move through the chakras depends on your tradition. See chakra bowl playing order.
What are the common mistakes?
- Gripping hard: tight fingers bring tension into the session.
- Holding the mallet and the mudra: put the mallet down first.
- Mixing lists: taking one mudra from each teacher.
- Pressing on the brow in Agya mudra: light contact only.
- Rushing: changing the mudra before the sound has faded.
What should you do next?
- Add your voice: read chanting bija mantras with a singing bowl.
- Sit with one bowl: read meditation with a singing bowl.
- Study each chakra: start with the seven chakras overview.
- Learn the whole method: take the free singing bowl healing course.
Frequently asked questions
Which mudra goes with which chakra?
As I teach it: Gyana for the Root, Dhyana for the Sacral, Namaste for the Solar Plexus, Hridaya for the Heart, Vishuddhi for the Throat, Agya for the Third Eye and Sahasrara for the Crown.
What is a mudra?
A mudra is a hand position held during meditation or prayer. It gives the hands a steady place to rest and gives the mind one more thing to stay with.
How do I hold a mudra while playing a singing bowl?
With two people, one plays the bowl and the other holds the mudra the whole time. On your own, strike the bowl softly, put the mallet down, then form the mudra and hold it while the sound fades.
How long should I hold each mudra?
Hold it for as long as the bowl rings, then rest your hands. Three strikes for each chakra is a simple start.
Do different teachers use different chakra mudras?
Yes. The mudras differ between teachers and traditions, so you may see another list elsewhere. Follow one list and stay with it.
Can I use a mudra with only one bowl?
Yes. Use the mudra that matches the chakra you are working with, or Dhyana mudra, the meditation gesture, for a general session.
Should a mudra feel tight?
No. The contact is light and the hands stay soft. If your fingers ache, loosen the shape or rest.
Learn each chakra in full
Our free course gives every chakra its note, mantra, mudra and a complete session.
