Q: How do you perform jnana mudra and is it something that should be practised sitting or lying down? H. De Leon – Bristol

A: Mudras are a form of yoga. They are hand gestures designed to seal and lock energy. Jnana mudra can be performed by lightly touching the tip of your index finger with your thumb. This mudra is often used, while sitting cross legged or kneeling. One of the reasons for this so that your life force is kept circulating (like an energy circuit), rather than flowing out of your body. Some teachers suggest using it while resting in savasana (corpse pose). It relaxes tension in the palms of the hands and symbolises the union of the individual consciousness with the supreme energy. Whatever way you decide to use it enjoy as it is a perfect hand gesture that has been used by yogis for thousands of years. It is especially recommended for performance alongside a meditation practice.