We will now introduce you to some mudras, to become familiarized and acquainted with them, later

on well describe how these mudras should be performed.

SANKALPA MUDRA usually performed at the beginning of worship rituals. Its effect is
directed to spiritual integration in the harmony of space and time.
 MATSYA MUDRA the gesture of the fish, symbolizes swimming across
existence in a state of detachment. It grants protection.

DHENU MUDRA the gesture of the cow, symbolizes the offering of gifts filled
with love to your worshipped goddess or god.

LELIHANA MUDRA literally this means going out. This gesture

symbolizes the fact that our only salvation is God.

TATTVA MUDRA the gesture of the principle. This mudra refers to the
perception of ones beloved deity in the heart.

SAMNIDAPANI MUDRA the message of this mudra is: I understand

that many worshippers yearn for your presence. But please grant
me this blessing and forgive my daring.

AVAHANI MUDRA the gesture of invitation. It is used for invoking ones

worshipped deity.
Kaleshwar mudra
Sarva vidhya dhari (Akash yogini) or vajra yogni
jrayogin is a tantric deity with no counterpart in Mahyana Buddhism. She
is a ki- literally a "sky-dancer", and figuratively a wild spirit who dances
ecstatically in the clear blue sky of nyata. She is usually depicted as blood
red in colour, naked except for elaborate ornaments of human bone, and a
necklace of skulls, corresponding to the sixteen vowels and thirty-four
consonants of the Sanskrit alphabet, and symbolising the purification of
speech. In her right hand she holds a flaying knife with a vajra handle - a
vajra-chopper - which she uses to cut off attachments. In her left hand is a
skull cup filled with mahsukha (the great bliss) which she pours out like
wine to her devotees. In the crook of her left arm she cradles a khatvanga or
magic staff. Her iconography is rich and multifaceted.

Practices and mantras associated with Vajrayogin are often considered

secret - although the mantras are now widely published. Many traditional
practitioners are uncomfortable with this breaking of the traditional secrecy
around these practices, and warn against using these mantras without
proper instruction.

o va jra yo gi n h pha sv h

o vajrayogin h pha svh

Long Manra
This mantra is one that I have received several inquiries about, questioning the wisdom of
making it available. I am sympathetic to these concerns. This mantra is from the Anuttara Yoga
Tantra - the most esoteric and generally speaking most secret level of Tibetan Buddhism. While
the lower (or outer) Tantras are often treated as open and accessible to the public, many people
consider this mantra to be "secret". It is something of an open secret however as there are several
books which reveal it, and many internet sites.Andy Weber, a very well known Western
practitioner of Tibetan artistic traditions, has made the mantra into a postcard!

In the Western Buddhist Order we do not necessarily approach mantra on the terms of Tibetan
Tantric Buddhism - I am working on an account of this approach but it is not yet ready. That
said, Dharmacari Vessantara, our foremost authority on these matters, has been one of those
expressing misgivings. At present I am inclined to leave the mantra here, but will entertain
further feedback, and leave open the possibility of removing it. I have taken pains to make sure
my rendition is at least accurate and reliable as to spelling which other websites have not.

From the traditional point of view this mantra should be used under the guidance of a qualified
teacher. Especially if you are involved in a Tibetan Tradition you should consult your Buddhist
teacher if you want to use this mantra in your practice. Vajrayogin practices require specific
initiations and carry samaya vows.