Discuss the role of Mudras

Mudra is a Sanskrit word derived from the root mud, 'please' or 'delight' and dravay, the causal form of dru, 'to draw forth'.  Specific folds, mutual positioning or postures – called mudras – of the fingers in one or both hands were discovered by the Vedic scientists of yoga for maintaining the natural order and healthy distribution of the pancha tatvas - five basic elements (Akhand 2003).   The five fingers of the hand are regarded as representative symbols of these vital elements in the body.

Prepare mind for Meditation.  Mudra, like no other yogic practice, is recognized as an external instrument with the capacity to prepare the mind for meditation Mudras show how finger positions and pressure upon certain points of the hands can affect different parts of the body, influencing physiological processes linked with the currents of vital energy (Prana) as well as settle mental processes and calm emotions.  

Balancing the five elements - regulating the natural flow of vital energy.   When the fingers touch another part of the body, a circuit is produced this allows energy that would have been otherwise dissipated to travel back into the body along the nadis. Hand mudras, where fingers are joined, engage the motor cortex at very subtle levels. Once pingala nadi is engaged then a signal goes back through Ida nadi to the brain. By holding these extremely sensitive areas in a certain fixed position, a loop of energy moves from the motor cortex down to the hand and then back to the brain. Thoughts and experiences are generated, and our detached observation of these can give useful insights into discovering our more subtle dimensions (Saraswati, 2002). 

Tantric and yogic literatures describe over one hundred different forms of mudras.5 According to their physical denotations, they can be categorized into approximately five groups: (i) Hasta, hand; (ii) Mana, head; (iii) Kaya, postural; (iv) Bandha, lock; (v) Adhara, perineal(Saraswati, 2002). 

Some examples of hand mudras include:

Jnana Mudra

This mudra is useful for enhancing mental capabilities.

Dhyana Mudra.

This mudra, as the word indicates, is helpful in conditioning the mind for meditation