Scriptural Topic -Mudras explained by Hersh Khetarpal Topic: In Sanskrit, Mudra (मुद्रा) means "seal," "mark," or "gesture," referring to symbolic hand or body positions used in yoga, dance, and spiritual practices to channel energy, evoke states of mind, or represent specific meanings, often linking the brain to the body for healing or focus. Mudras function as "energetic locks" (like bandhas) to direct prana (life force) and are integral to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Indian classical dance. ** 1 Gyan Mudra- Gyan Mudra, meaning the "Seal of Wisdom" or "Knowledge Seal," is a sacred hand gesture in yoga and meditation where the thumb and index finger form a circle, symbolizing the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness, promoting wisdom, focus, and mental clarity by balancing the body's air element. It's used to calm the mind, improve concentration, and support overall spiritual and physical well-being. Key Meanings & Symbolism • Wisdom & Knowledge: "Gyan" (or "Jnana") means wisdom or knowledge, making it the Mudra of Knowledge. • Union of Self & Universe: The joining of the thumb (universal consciousness) and index finger (individual consciousness) signifies unity with the divine. • Energy Flow: It's believed to balance the Air element (Vata) in the body, reducing restlessness and mental fatigue. • Enhances concentration and mental focus. • Calms the nervous system and reduces stress. • Stimulates the brain and improves memory. • Supports spiritual growth and inner peace. **2. The Namaskara Mudra (also called Anjali Mudra or Pranam Mudra) is a prayer-like hand gesture where palms are pressed together at the heart center with fingers pointing upwards, symbolizing reverence, unity, and the divine within, commonly used for greetings, prayer, and devotion in yoga and Buddhist traditions. It signifies acknowledging the sacred in others, balancing energies, and showing respect, often accompanied by saying "Namaste" ("the divine in me honors the divine in you"). **3 Gyan Mudra (or Jnana Mudra) is a common hand gesture in yoga and meditation, formed by touching the tip of the thumb and index finger to create a circle, while extending the other three fingers, symbolizing the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness, promoting focus, inner wisdom, mental clarity, and spiritual connection. It's used to calm the mind, enhance concentration, and balance energy, representing knowledge and the link between the self and the divine. ** 4 ChinMudra. Chin Mudra (Gesture of Consciousness) is a fundamental yoga hand gesture where you touch the tip of your thumb and index finger, forming a circle, while keeping the other three fingers extended, symbolizing the union of individual consciousness (index finger) with universal consciousness (thumb), promoting calmness, focus, and spiritual awareness, often used in meditation to direct energy (prana) inward. ~~~~ Chin Mudra vs. Jnana Mudra Chin Mudra: Palms face down (towards the earth), grounding energy. Jnana Mudra: Palms face up (towards the sky), drawing energy in. ~~~~ Evenings - Palms down /Mornings - Palms up ** 5 Dhyan Mudra The Dhyana Mudra is a sacred hand gesture for deep meditation, concentration, and enlightenment, featuring the right hand resting atop the left in the lap, palms up, with thumbs touching to form a bowl shape, symbolizing the union of opposites and a receptive "beginner's mind" to channel prana (life force) for inner peace and focus, often seen in Buddhist art and practiced in yoga to calm the mind. Deepens concentration and focus. Induces a calm, peaceful state of mind. Helps achieve states of sustained meditation (Samadhi). Reduces stress by activating relaxation. ***Mudras for cure eliments from the mudra *** 1. Prithvi Mudra, or the Earth Mudra, is a simple hand gesture in yoga and Ayurveda where the tips of the thumb and ring finger touch, symbolizing grounding, stability, and strength by activating the body's Earth element for physical vitality, focus, and balance. It's used to combat scattered feelings, improve stamina, strengthen bones and hair, and is practiced in meditation or yoga poses, typically for 10-45 minutes, to foster a sense of security and connection. Grounding & Stability: Promotes feelings of security, calm, and balance. Physical Strength: Believed to increase vitality, endurance, and strength, supporting bodily tissues like bones, skin, and hair. Mental Clarity: Helps when feeling scattered or overstimulated, improving focus. Energy Balance: Balances the Earth element, which is linked to the Muladhara (Root) Chakra. During meditation or yoga. 2. Surya Mudra 3. Vaayu Mudra 4.Varun Mudra 5. Apaan Mudra https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

YSA 12.25.25 Scriptural Topic - insights into 14 Loka explained by Hersh Khetarpal In Hinduism, the 14 Lokas are 14 cosmic realms or planes of existence, split into seven higher worlds (Vyahrtis) and seven lower worlds (Patalas), representing a map of the universe and the soul's journey through different states of consciousness, from the earthly Bhuloka (our world) to the divine Satyaloka, and the underworlds like Patala, each inhabited by different beings and governed by karma. The 7 Higher Lokas (Upper Worlds) 1. Bhu Loka (Bhurloka): The physical Earth where humans live. 2. Bhuvar Loka: The intermediate space, atmosphere, and subtle realms. 3. Svar Loka (Svarga Loka): Heaven, abode of gods like Indra, full of pleasure. 4. Mahar Loka: Realm of great sages and ascetics. 5. Jana Loka: Abode of Brahma's sons, pure beings. 6. Tapo Loka: Realm of intense austerity and celestial beings. 7. Satya Loka (Brahma Loka): The highest realm, abode of Lord Brahma, truth. The 7 Lower Lokas (Patalas) 8. Atala Loka: Ruled by the demon Bala, known for sensuality. 9. Vitala Loka: Abundant in gold, Lord Shiva (Hara Bhava) resides here. 10. Sutala Loka: Ruled by the demon king Bali, guarded by Vishnu. 11. Talatala Loka: Realm of the architect Maya. 12. Mahatala Loka: Realm of powerful serpent beings (Nagas). 13. Rasatala Loka: Abode of the Asuras (demons). 14. Patala Loka (Naga Loka): The deepest underworld, home to serpent deities like Vasuki. These Lokas aren't just physical places but also reflect states of consciousness, with souls moving between them based on their actions (karma). https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com visit our website https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

YSA 12.17.25 Scriptural Topic - insights into IN and AFTER DEATH Part 3 experienced by Yog Vashiht explained by Hersh Khetarpal https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

Scriptural Topic - insights into IN and AFTER DEATH Part 2 experianced by Yog Vashiht explained by Hersh Khetarpal https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

Scriptural Topic - insights into IN and AFTER DEATH Part 1 by Yog Vashiht explained by Hersh Khetarpal https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

Scriptural Topic - Moksha /Liberation Part 2 explained by Hersh Khetarpal https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

Scriptural Topic - Moksha explained by Hersh Khetarpal https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/ The story of Nachiketa, found in the Kathopanishad, recounts how a boy named Nachiketa is given to the god of death, Yama, after he insists his father donate him during a sacrificial ritual. Nachiketa waits three days at Yama's door, and in exchange for the lack of hospitality, Yama grants him three boons. His final boon is to understand the secret of death, which leads to Yama teaching him about the nature of the Atman (the soul) and the path to immortality.   The story's events The initial conflict: Nachiketa's father, Vajashravas, was performing a ritual and was giving away his possessions. Nachiketa saw that his father was only giving away old, useless animals and questioned who he would give his son to. In anger, his father said he would give him to Yama, the god of death.  Waiting for Yama: Nachiketa took his father's words as a divine instruction and went to Yama's home, where he waited for three days without food or water.  The three boons: Yama was pleased with Nachiketa's determination and granted him three boons.  First boon: Nachiketa first asked for his father's peace and to be free from anger.  Second boon: For his second boon, he asked to learn about the fire sacrifice that leads to heaven. Yama taught him this and named the fire after him.  Third boon: Nachiketa's final request was for the knowledge of what happens after death.  The wisdom of Yama: Yama was hesitant but ultimately agreed to teach him the true nature of death and the soul. He explained the difference between the path of "good" (\(Shreyas\)) and the path of "pleasant" (\(Preyas\)). He also used the metaphor of a chariot to explain how one can achieve immortality through the intellect controlling the mind, senses, and body to realize the self.  The outcome: Nachiketa learned that the Atman is unborn, eternal, and does not die with the body, and that the wise seek the path of "good" to achieve immortality. He then returned to his father and shared the wisdom he gained.

Scriptural Topic - _/\_ PRAYER _/\_ explained by Hersh Khetarpal https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

Scriptural Topic - Bhavna (continuance part 2) explained by Hersh Khetarpal https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/