Mudras, Chakras, Mantras: Deceptive Meditative Techniques
A recent Facebook Post captioned: "Help Your Child Achieve Calmness!" showed a picture of a little girl sitting cross-legged, eyes closed, hands out, and with her fingers fixed in a mudra position. What finger position is that? To be precise, it is the "Gyan Mudra" or "Chin Mudra" finger position in which the index finger touches the thumb tip to form as perfect a circle as possible with the other fingers extending upward.
Why do people do this? Yoga aficionado Gertud Hirschi, in her book Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands, tells us why: "We can effectively engage and influence our body and our mind by bending, crossing, extending, or touching the fingers with other fingers." Hirschi goes on to pinpoint just what this finger position really means: "The thumb is symbolic of cosmic (divine) and the index finger is symbolic of individual (human) consciousness. The ultimate goal ... is oneness of humanity with cosmic consciousness."
http://www.amazon.com/Mudras-Yoga-Hands-Gertrud-Hirschi/dp/1578631394
Now, the purpose of this article is to inform teachers, parents, and grandparents that when either a child or adult uses mudra gestures, along with mantras, one is setting himself up to open up body areas designated as chakras. So, readers beware, each mudra gesture has far more wrapped up in in it than you might imagine; and it is not just an innocent finger technique to get one into a calmed state. To find out more--more on mudras, chakras, and mantras read on.
Mudra Information:
Mudra Definition: (muh-drah) A mudra is a symbolic or ritual gesture in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is a spiritual gesture and an energetic seal of authenticity employed in the iconography and spiritual practice of Indian religions. (Wikipedia) Right up front, these gestures are spiritual, but most definitely not Christian! For nowhere in Scripture do we read of various ways to fix our fingers; as a matter of fact Scripture does not even tell us to fold our hands! However, it does tell us that we can stretch out our hands toward heaven, and call to the Lord who will hear our prayer.
Another Mudra Definition: One of the symbolic hand gestures used in religious ceremonies and dances in India and in yoga. (Merriam-Webster)
Mudra Introduction:
The Eclectic Energies web page states, "Mudras have been in use in the East for thousands of years, particularly in Buddhism. Buddha statues often have the hands in certain hand positions. They have been used as a spiritual practice ... as a way on the path to enlightenment."
http://www.eclecticenergies.com/mudras/mudra.php?num=1
Buddha Mudras:
There are a number of sites where one can glimpse close up photos focusing in on the mudra gestures of the Buddha. One such site reads: "Mudras of the Great Buddha: Symbolic Gestures and Postures" while another says: "Hand Gestures of the Buddha (Mudras) and Buddha Iconography." Looking at these Buddha hands brings to mind the verses from Psalm 115:4-8 where it says: "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not; noses have they, but they smell not: they have hands, but they handle not; feet have they, but they walk not; neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like them; so is every one that trusteth in them." Truly sad, that the hands of precious children, along with undiscerning adults, are being taught to form Buddhist mudras.
http://www.exoticindiaart.com/mudras.htm and
http://www.buddha-images.com/hand-gestures.asp
Children's Mudras:
Speaking of children's hands, the book title: Yoga for Busy Little Hands: Mudras for Children
by Marsha Therese Danzig says it all. Under its title it suggests this book is "great for kids with ADD, ADHD, Autism, and in the Classroom." And its back cover reads, "Yoga Educator and Founder of 'Color Me Yoga for Children' Marsha Therese Danzig, Ed. M. Harvard, Registered Yoga Teacher 500 Hours, illustrates the wonderful world of mudras, or sacred hand gestures." (Reiki Master too.)*
It continues, "Mudras are ancient healing techniques relevant to children in modern times. The hand has a series of meridians or rivers of energy that link the body, mind, and spirit. Mudras teach child-ren self-empowerment, allowing them to access and send energy where it needs to go for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Yoga for Busy Little Hands, first in Color Me Yoga's Educational Yoga Series for children, "satisfies the linguistic learner with foreign language skills, (Make that Sanskrit.)* ... the music learner with the rhythm of affirmation and mantra, ... the intrapersonal learner with meditative practices, and the spiritual learner with expanded conscious awareness."
*Note: I have highlighted some words, and added inserts.
This book description describes what mudras are all about showing these finger actions are not akin to nursery rhyme movements, or action rhyme movements used by teachers of young children. The book also paints mudras as something very educational--yes, educating one into deceptive meditative techniques!
A look at the book contents reveals even more of its spiritual agenda. Here are some of its "Mudra Categories" such as "Energy" as Live (Prana); "Nature" as Flow (Varuna); "Confidence" as Focus (Hakai); "Healing" as Surrender (Suchi); "Calm" as Quiet (Dhyana); and "Spirit" as Om (Shunya).
In addition, Danzig designed an hour webnar: "You've Got the Whole World in Your Hands: Mudras for Children." (No! He's Got the Whole World in His Hands!) to "illuminate the many ways specific, purposeful hand movements can increase positive energy ...." "Mudra means seal," explains Danzig, "so in practicing a mudra, it is like sealing the body, mind, and spirit together." Just simple hand movements? No, one hundred percent no! These are hand movements taking one straight into a New Age spirituality!
http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Busy-Little-Hands-Childrens/dp/1495380858
https://kidsyogaacademy.net/faculty/marsha-therese-danzig/
More Mudra Materials for Kids:
The Global Family Yoga publishes a downloadable eBook Mudras for Children with an introduction to mudras, how and why to practice mudras, and instructions for ten simple mudras suitable for children. Of mudras they write, "They are like mini yoga poses for your hands and are one of the many techniques used for self-regulation and to develop awareness. Mudras tune us into the subtle energies of the body." Of mudras and meditation they observe, "Meditation is one of the best ways to give the mind a rest and mudras are a wonderful way to facilitate the one-pointed concentration that leads to meditation." http://globalfamilyyoga.com/mudras_for_children/
An enticing book, Evyatar's Mudras or Magical Hand Gestures by Alex Man, and Elizabeth Futerman, pictures a very young child meeting the morning by doing mudras in his bed. This book includes nine basic mudras, and how to practice them on one hand or two.
http://www.amazon.com/childrens-books-Evyatars-Attention-collection-ebook/dp/B00RCIMTUM
Another tool is Lori Lite's mudra poster entitled "The Feelings in You Are the Feelings in Me" which shows mudra hand positions demonstrated by eleven children photographed listening to Indigo Dreams CD/Audio and book. These mudra gestures include: heart, vision, peace, color, imagine, universal, truth, love, create, intuition, happy, and breathe. Below the poster it says, "Yoga mudras have new meanings when children explore hand positions that empower them to be active participants in their own healthy, heart driven lives." Notice the kids' poster photos as they sit cross-legged listening to mesmerizing stories, and music all the while doing sacred mudras. Awaken! This is not what one would desire for any child, or student!
http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Yoga-Posters-Mudras-Feelings/dp/0970863381
Don't Do Mudras!
Be warned when one allows a child to do mudras to calm down, they're being set up to go deeper into meditative techniques that will teach them to affirm their own goodness, and their own divinity.
They will also be taught that they can control their bodies, and that they can use these mudras to learn to open up their "chakras." All the hype about de-stressing, relaxing, calming, and breathing will have that child, at some point, ready to be a full blown meditator falling into very dangerous habits. Instead of being "from a child knowing the Holy Scriptures" they will be hooked on mudras and
mantras, and the pagan worldviews associated with them. And instead of trusting Jesus as Savior, and protector they will be looking within themselves as divine.
Chakra Information:
Chakra Definition: Chakras are centers of energy, says Eclectic Energies, are located on the midline of the body. There are seven of them, and they govern psychological properties. The chakras located on the lower side of the body are the instinctual side, while the highest ones are the mental side. http://www.eclecticenergies.com/chakras/introduction.php
Chakra Description: The Sanskrit word chakra literally translates to wheel or disk. In yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda this term refers to wheels of energy throughout the body. There are seven main chakras which align the spine beginning from the base of the spine right up to the crown of the head. One can visualize a chakra as a swirling wheel of energy where matter and consciousness meet. This invisible energy, called prana is a vital life force, keeps one vibrant, healthy, and alive.
Chakra Chants:
In "Opening the Chakras" from Eclectic Energies it explains in detail how to use chakra chants that use mudras to open the chakras. The mudras, says the article, have the power to send more energy to particular chakras. Basically the mudra method involves fixing your hands in a designated arrangement, concentrating on a particular chakra, and chanting sounds to awaken it.
http://www.eclecticenergies.com/chakras/open.php
"How to Open Your Seven Chakras-As Explained in a Children's Show":
Aired on October 18, 2013 on Nick TV a chilling kids' show, "The Last Airbender," now a You Tube video, vividly described how a young boy was taught by his guru to open his chakras. The video,
labled Y7 FV, demonstrated step by step how this cartoon character opened up all his chakras--from the earth chakra right up to the crown chakra. Adults should watch this ten minute video to get an eye-opening glimpse into some of the mind-blowing teachings on this kids' cartoon. Watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02FkMr21xOA
Check Out These Children's Chakra Materials:
Chakra Webnar:
Marsha Danzig has recently developed a new webnar "Little Spinning Wheels: Chakras for Children." In it she says one can fine tune children's sensitivities to the chakras--those related to specific glands and earth qualities as roots, water, fire, air, ether, sound, light, and space which will make them better beings on the planet!
While looking at this site click on the colorful butterfly to see it up close, to notice the wing colors beginning with the red (root chakra) color and the bottom all the way to the violet (crown chakra) at the top. Notice, too, its black body with the colored chakra energy balls from the bottom right up through the top. Clever! Deceptive! https://kidsyogaacademy.net/faculty/marsha-therese-danzig/
Chakra Book:
A 2015 book titled: The Rainbow Tower: Understanding Chakras, Auras, and Reiki Energy for Kids can be viewed on Amazon.com books. Click onto the book photo "to look inside" and what a tale you'll find there. Its author, Kytka Hilmar-Jezek, has spun a story even the youngest child can understand all about the Chakra Tower with its colorful chakra lotuses.
Hilmar-Jezek wrote a parental letter saying in part: "Have you always wondered how to explain chakras, auras, and reiki to your children in a way they would understand? Maybe you are a beginner looking for answers about auras, chakras, reiki, and healing energy or life force." We all, asserts Hilmar-Jezek, have this Universal Life Force with an energy field made up of aura which shows itself in seven colorful layers and the chakra system.
Note: While indoctrinating children, these books go after parents too. So, take heed!
Then in giant print Hilmar-Jezek emphasizes, "Even the youngest kids can learn the most about the seven chakras through the color story in the book." Later, the author again uses oversized print to add, "This book helps children easily begin to understand their body as energy cen-
ters." http://www.amazon.com/The-Rainbow-Tower-Understanding-Chakras-ebook/dp/B00YYUJJ40
Chakra Poster:
A Lori Lite Stress Free Kids' "Chakras Color Our World" Poster (March 2005) from Indigo Dreams renamed the chakras this way: earth (red); creativity (orange); feelings (yellow); love (green); voice (blue); knowing (indigo) and angel (purple). These seven, says the poster, will empower kids to be active participants in creating their own healthy, heart driven, peaceful lives. Marketed as a great tool for teaching chakras to children of any age this poster boasts that kids of any nationality may look different on the outside, but inside we all share the same inner colors. However, Isaiah 53:6 says that inside we're all sinners who have gone astray, turning everyone to his own way, and that because of this we need a Savior.
http://healing.about.com/od/chakraimages/ig/Chakra-Posters/Chakra-10.htm
Kids' Chakra Affirmations:
Affirmation Book/CDs:
Lori Lite wrote Affirmation Weaver: A Believe in Yourself Story. In this innocent sounding tale about sea creatures, Lite uses the oft repeated reason one needs such a book for children who are stressed out, and need calming, that she, Lite, has the book for you--a book that will boost your child's belief in himself through the repeating of positive sounding affirmations. Now, an affirmation, according to Lite, is a compliment that you give to yourself. Here's a Lite quote, "I love myself the way I am. I can do anything I believe I can."
http://www.amazon.com/Affirmation-Weaver-Yourself-Self-esteem-Decreasing/dp/0983625697
Discerning reader, stop here, recall that this view is so opposite of what the Word teaches. For it clearly says in Proverbs 20:11: "Even a child is known by his doing whether his work be pure, and whether it be right." Jeremiah 17:9 sums it up like this, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked and who can know it?"
As Christians we want our children to trust the Lord Jesus as personal Savior. However, no amount of positive affirming meditative mantras are going to prepare a child to know the Lord; rather they are going to prepare him to focus in on himself speaking to his chakras and saying things to his "root chakra" as "I am divine being of light, and I am peaceful, protected, and secure." But, only the Lord is divine! He is the Light of the World wanting to rescue us from the darkness of sin. Flee from these techniques, open up your Bible, and teach from it! Check out chakra affirmations and know where Ms. Lite is leading you in such "relaxation" books filled to the brim with mudras, mantras, and more.
Be aware too Lite produces CD story sets as "Indigo Dreams," and "Indigo Ocean Dreams" with kids' stories said to reduce stress, anger, and anxiety while increasing kids' centering on self. Both covers show a child seated in the lotus position, eyes closed, hands fixed in a mudra with the caption that these CDs will one de-stress and relax.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012ARCA8?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0
http://www.amazon.com/Indigo-Ocean-Dreams-Self-Esteem-Self-Awareness/dp/0970863365
Think on II Corinthians 6:17: "Wherefore come out from among them (idolaters, unbelievers ...), and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, ...." We need to leave behind these New Age ideas that purport to help us, but instead lead us and our children far from the Lord.
Mantra Information:
Mantra Definitions:
A mantra is a motivating chant. A mantra is usually any repeated word or phrase, but it can also refer more specifically to a word repeated in meditation. Mantra comes from Sanskrit word meaning a "sacred message," or text, charm, spell, counsel. (Vocabulary.com)
A mantra is (Originally in Hinduism and Buddhism) a word or sound repeated to aid concentration.
A mantra is also a Vedic hymn. (Oxford Dictionaries)
A mantra is (Hinduism or Buddhism) any sacred word or syllable used as an object of concentration and embodying some aspect of spiritual power. (Dictionary.com)
Mantra Materials for Kids:
Liz Bragdon of "Move with Me" (Yoga Adventures) has written an article entitled: "Affirmations and Mantras for Kids." In it Liz lays out what a mantra is, and what a mantra will do. Liz says, "When you think of a mantra ... you will probably think of the recitation of beautiful Sanskrit phrases with a spiritual purpose. In a nutshell, the idea behind mantras is that the specific words you repeat may become part of you and reveal, over time, truths about yourself and your connection to a deeper source, when recited regularly with faith and feeling." Liz asserts, "Mantras ... encourage us to tune into our authentic inner voice and tune out the negative, distracting, thoughtlessly repeated messages that divide us from that authentic, wise, and loving voice."
Liz then goes on to list six simple mantras for children that are fun. "However," she adds, "they are also for grown-ups. A simple message is sometimes a powerful message." Liz shares that some of her favorite kids' mantras taken from the performance of well-known chant artist--Snatam Kaur.
Three of her favorites include: "Sa Ta Na Ma" a mantra that uses finger movements with a lovely song from Snatam's video. Another: "Peace: Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantih" should be repeated three times: for oneself, for all living things, and for the whole world and the universe. She also finds lovely: "I am Happy, I am Good" with its "Sat Nam, Sat Nam, Sat Nam ji," and its "Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru, ji" from Snatam's video. Always these mantras teach children that in ourselves we are good, just the opposite of what our Bible says in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; "
http://move-with-me.com/uncategorized/affirmations-and-mantras-for-kids/
When one views these little tots using mudras, and loudly chanting the "Wahe Guru" mantra one might smile, and think how cute! However, here's what "Wahe Guru" really means, according to Kunalini Yoga Boot Camp (KYBC): "Wahe (Wha-hay) means 'Wow' or 'Ecstasy'" ... while Guru (goo-roo) means that force which brings one from darkness into light." KYBC comments, "For example Wahe Guru is another way of expressing the joyous ecstasy that comes from knowing your true essence--call it God, call it soul, call it Self ... whatever." Sad indeed that Christians today are allowing little kids to learn yogic techniques, and who knows what teacher just might teach your young child to chant mantras declaring they are divine in themselves. How deceived, and naïve are the parents who think these so called "calming" mantras will help their children.
http://kundaliniyogabootcamp.com/wahe-guru-a-little-meaning/
Another article by Shannon Sexton gives "Six Reasons to Chant with Your Kids." Sexton says, "There's a new generation of yoga-children out there who calm down and find peace through mantra musical meditations as "Kirtan" which is a form of call-and-response chanting from India. Sexton lists six reasons why your child should become a yoga kid beginning with it helps kids focus--therefore try "bedtime mantras" which are sure to soothe! Mantras help diffuse conflict too, says Sexton, so "Let's 'Om' Together!" Besides, Sexton maintains that Sanskrit mantras are great for teaching yogic values. Of course, these mantras will help kids quiet their minds, and help kids to know they are "spiritual beings." "Just imagine," muses Sexton, "if we were all walking around singing, 'I am divine love.'" Yes, becoming a "chanting junkie" will help one bond. And finally, suggests Sexton, sing mantras with others, or join a live Kirtan event which will help one connect with community. Discerning reader, I challenge you to research what is out there to entice parents, grandparents, and teachers to try out these wondrous mantra methods with their little ones. Beware!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shannon-sexton/6-reasons-to-chant-with-y_b_5439564.html
Like an Angel of Light--Snatam Kaur--Sacred Chant Artist and Kids' Kundalini Yoga Teacher
If ever there was someone who appears quite angelic Snatam Kaur would have to be it. To watch her beautiful face, and to listen to her melodious voice as she teaches those she calls her "Little Yogis," or "Tomorrow's Teachers" one would think she is a goddess herself. But, do not be deceived, these chants are sacred mantras to captivate and to lead precious children deep into a New Spirituality. To open your eyes watch this seductive video here: http://www.spiritvoyage.com/yoga/Shanti-the-Yogi---Mountain-Adventure-DVD/Snatam-Kaur/DVD-002410.aspx
One of Kaur's DVDs is "Shanti the Yogi"--Mountain Adventure DVD" which is filled with beguiling illustrations as well as alluring musical mantra lyrics. Composed of eight tracks the words to the lyrics can be found on "Welcome to Shanti the Yogi Dot Com" by clicking on "Lyric Sheets" PDF. Oh, and there is a Coloring Book PDF as well. http://www.shatitheyogi.com/shanti_frame.html
Just a brief look at the lyrics will quickly let you know that each track song has teachings exactly opposite to Scripture. Track 1, for example, "Feeling Good Today" teaches the idea that we're feeling good today for God who is in my inside is in you too. Verse three reads: "God and me, me and God, are one, Sat Nam." "Sat Nam," the common Kundalini mantra greeting, means "I see your true nature, " or "I recognize the divinity within you." Similar to "Namaste" it acknowledges we are the same, we are one. A site named the "Kundalini Way" explains, "Sat Nam is a mantra commonly used in Kundalini Yoga and is repeated three times at the end of a yoga session. ... It has been called the process of naming one's self 'Truth.'" But in John 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me." For we are not truth, nor are we divine; but we are sinners in need of a Savior! https://kundaliniway.wordpress.com/sat-nam/
Then there is Track 6, "I Am the Light of My Soul," that teaches the child he again is divine by having him sing, "I am the light, light, light, light of my soul. I am beautiful, I am bountiful, I am bliss. Beautiful I am, I am, Bountiful I am, I am. I am bliss." No, we are not any of this! Once again our Bibles tell us Jesus is the Light, and he is the great I Am. For as Jesus said in John 8:12: "I am the light of the World: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Track 7, "Sa Ta Na Ma," is one of most common mantras of Kundalini Yoga, which young children learn with ease belting it out while doing mudras. Bragdon, in her affirmation piece named above, mentions Kaur's video of this mantra by saying, "This mantra incorporates finger movements, or mudras. For kids they are just fun things to do with your fingers. Both hands are doing the finger plays (hardly finger plays!!), simultaneously. Bragdon then details the motions touching pointer finger to thumb for "Sa," and so on. Below this explanation Bragdon includes this disturbing mantra video from Kaur. Hear here: http://move-with-me.com/uncategorized/affirmations-and-mantras-for-kids/ The bottom line is: stay far away from this seductive female Sikh, New Age Indian devotional musician, Kundalini Yoga teacher for kids, and meditation and Kirtan guru--Snatam Kaur, and anyone else endorsing these practices!
"Stand Up for Truth" has an in depth article "Warning: Kundalini Yoga's 'Highest Mantra Meditation'"--the Sa Ta Na Ma-- describing its mudras and mantras in detail. It says, "You will notice the very same greeting in Kundalini Yoga 'Sat Nam' contains the Sa Ta Na Ma components. Sat Nam is the seed mantra ... while Sa Ta Na Ma is understood as Existence, Life, Death, and Rebirth. Kirtan Kriya makes this most important mantra the centerpiece of the meditation."
"Kirtan Kryia," the article explains, "exploits the power of mantras, hand positions (mudras), mind power, naad yoga (yoga of sound) to work its magic ...." For more of this informative warning read here: http://standupforthetruth.com/2011/12/warning-kundalini-yogas-highest-mantra-meditation/
In Conclusion: We Can Choose!
We can choose to follow the gods of the people around us as did the Children of Israel, or we can choose to follow the Lord. For as Deuteronomy 5:14 noted, "Ye shall not go after other gods, the gods of the people which are around you." Or as Joshua 23:7-8 reads, "... neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves to them: But cleave unto the Lord your God ...."
We can choose to form sacred mudras, or we can stretch out our hands to the Lord. For as Psalm 44:20-21 records: "If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god: Shall not our God search this out? ...." Or as Psalm 63:3-4 so beautifully describes, "Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live, I will lift up my hands in thy name."
We can choose to mumble Sanskrit mantras--to multiply sounds and words; or we can choose to exalt the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings! For as Matthew 6:7 reminds us, "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking." Or as Psalm 8:1 says we can shout out, "O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth."
Yes, we have a choice to follow the way that seems right to a man, or the one way of truth--we can allow our children, or even ourselves to follow after pagan techniques touted to calm us, and ground us; or we can choose, as the Psalmist penned in Psalm 19:14, to declare: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in they sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." We can choose, it is our choice; but as Joshua of old may our choice be to say: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!" (Joshua 24:14)
Learn to Discern Granny Verse: Matthew 21:16
"Hosannas, Not Mantras!"
"And they said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus said unto them, Yea, have you not read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise."
More Information:
For Many Shall Come in My Name by Ray Yungen (Lighthouse Trails)
Out of India by Caryl Matrisciana (Lighthouse Trails)
