HANDY CURES                                              MUDRA015.TXT
       ***********************************************************************
       The Times of India, 28 March, 1987 Physical ailments are the results
       of the disturbance in the equilibrium of the five elemental forces
       of the body. Appropriate 'Mudras' can help to restore proper
       balance. Yoga, a way of life for our ancient forebears, as a
       developed therapeutic technique, has found favour with our
       generation to, prone to self-created diseases generating from
       tension and anxiety and an irregular lifestyle. The yogi believes
       that the root of diseases, disorders and ailments lies in the
       imbalanced internal condition of the human body for which the
       improper life-style and dietary habits of the individuals are to be
       blamed. Therapeutic yoga is basically a system of self treatment.
       Yoga believes that it is the individual who is responsible for both
       causing and curing the disease. The experts, however, have to show
       the path and the rest depends on the effort of the person. Practice
       of yoga mudras besides a person's life-style and the diet are the
       essentials for maintaining proper health.

       Yoga mudras and asanas to be performed are exercise relating to a
       particular disease and bodily condition of a particular individual,
       aiming to provide not just instant relief but a lasting cure.
       However, the fast pace of life today hardly gives the individual the
       desired time to practice elaborate exercises. Acharya Keshav Dev who
       runs the Vivekanand Yogashram in Delhi and dabbles in Ayurveda,
       nature cure, yoga and yajna has an answer. The 56-year-old, a
       registered Ayurvedic practitioner, expounded the merits of Mudra
       Yigyan or Tatva Yoga in curing common ailments today from a simple
       ache to a heart attack. <Human body>, he says, <is a miniature form
       of the universe mudra vigyan on its part reveals each secret of the
       nature and the universe. Mudra reveal the truth about nature and
       contributes to the multifaceted development of the human personality
       thereby awakening human tendencies which are otherwise dormant. The
       science of mudras is one of the finest gifts of yoga to the cause of
       human welfare.< Physical ailments are the result of the disturbance
       in the equilibrium of the elemental forces of the body. The practice
       of the appropriate mudra can help to overcome these disturbances and
       restore the proper balance, he adds. Mudras postures, as depicted in
       Hindu scriptures, adopted at the time of meditation and worship and
       other religious ceremonies, he feels, have a deep relationship with
       the healthy disposition of a human being. His extensive researches
       and investigations have revealed miraculous uses and effects in
       spiritual as well as day to day life. Techniques which seem very
       simple, he says, are the highest methods of meditation developed
       over the centuries. Continuous research is still being carried on in
       discovering and assimilating the use of different mudras which, he
       claims, can cure mental and physical disorders equally well. He
       emphasises mostly on hasta mudras (Hand postures) for effective cure
       of heart problems, arthritis, gastro-intestinal disorders, asthma,
       diabetes and other nervous disorders, meant to be practised by both
       hands for a few minutes. These require very little preparation or
       effort and can be done very conveniently anywhere. Hands, he says,
       have a power of their own and they can cure, of course, according to
       the will of the owner. The one who knows how to use this power can
       control his life and health always. The five fingers of the hands
       represent the five elements-the thumb is Agni (fire), the forefinger
       vayu (air), the middle Akash (ether), the ring Prithvi (earth) and
       the little Jal (water)-that make up the human body and each of these
       elements can be controlled through our fingers, through which we can
       activate certain vibrations and restore the elemental balance.

       Among the main yoga mudras are the Apan Vayu Mudra which regulates
       complications of the hearts. Fold the forefinger down and touch the
       mound of the thumb, join the tips of the third and fourth fingers
       with that of the thumb. The little finger should be held erect. In
       the case of a severe heart attack, as a first aid measure if
       administered within the first two seconds, it provides instant
       relief. Try reducing the Vayu tatva (pressure of wind).

       Gyan Mudra : A familiar pose adopted by all great thinkers-Buddha,
       Mahavira, Christ, Guru Nanak and Dayanand Saraswati in more recent
       times. In general its practice ensures mental peace, concentration,
       sharp memory spiritual feelings, etc. In particular it cures,
       insomnia, mental disorder and dissipates tension depression and
       drowsiness. The thumb and the index finger are brought together in
       gentle contract not pressing hard, while al other fingers are kept
       upright. Pran Mudra : Touch the tops of the little finger and the
       ring finger to the tip of the thumb lightly. A life giving device
       energises the body improving its vitality. It also helps to improve
       eyesight. A must for those who feel nervous, tired and weak.

       Apan Mudra : Join the middle finger and the ring finger with the tip
       of the thumb, the forefinger and the little finger should be held
       upright. This provides relief in urinary problems and difficulty in
       labour and delivery. It facilitates the discharge of waste matter
       from the body and purifies the system. Shunya Mudra is a guaranteed
       cure for deafness. Pain in the ear can be checked within three
       minutes by this mudra. Bend the middle finger to touch the root of
       the thumb then press it slightly with the thumb. Surabhi Mudra or
       the cow posture helps control rheumatic inflammation and sharpens
       intellect. Join the little finger with the ring finger and the
       middle finger with the index finger in a transverse position.

       The Linga Mudra makes the body resistant to colds and coughs and
       chest infection, by generating heat in the body, and destroying
       accumulated phlegm in chest. It helps in weight reduction too but
       has to be practised with restraint and intake of at least eight
       glasses of water and butter and ghee as cooling agents in sufficient
       quantities is a must. Because of the heat it generates, it should
       not be practised with such flexibility as the other mudras. It might
       prove taxing and result in a feeling of lethargy. Join both the
       palms and lock the facing fingers together keeping one thumb
       upright. The upright thumb must be encircled by the other must be
       encircled by the other thumb and the index finger.

       Besides this is the Saptchakrasana, a very simple seven-minute
       exercise for total fitness developed by the Acharya. Especially
       helpful in curing spondylitis and other spinal disorders, the effect
       becomes noticeable within two to three days, he claims. These
       exercises should be done preferably in the morning before meals,
       although they are not harmful even thereafter. The Matsyendrasana,
       he says, if performed for five minutes regularly for 40 days will
       regulate the functioning of the pancreas and is an effective cure
       for diabetes. Sit on the floor, fold the left leg at the knee
       without lifting it up even slightly under the buttocks and place the
       right leg in front of the folder knee on the floor, Put your right
       arm at the back and then bring the left arm to hold the ankle of the
       right leg. See that your backbone, Neck and heaf are upright. Exhale
       slowly and turn the head, chest and waist towards the right side.
       Twist the body as much as you can. Stay i the position for 6 to 8
       seconds start inhaling slowly again returning to the original
       position. Unlock the arm and the knee and repeat the exercise in the
       opposite direction i.e. to the left-now the left knee will be
       standing up and the right arm will be locked. Rest in between for a
       while, inhaling and exhaling twice deeply. Do not practice more than
       six rounds.

       The Acharya has cured many people so far of various ailments. He
       leads a saintly yet research-oriented life, imparting his knowledge
       to a chosen set of students and to all worthy without hesitation.
       For the ailing commoners he provides complete counselling about the
       practice of these mudras, as its incorrect and prolonged practice
       may sometimes be harmful. In addition, he also suggests the proper
       diet and massages, etc. for curing the ailments. He is working to
       make his ashram a mixed therapeutic hospital. For it the aim has to
       be prevention of a disease and also its cure, a healthy combination
       of all prevailing systems of medicines becomes imperative. Not only
       immediate relief but lasting cure should be the aim of all medical
       practitioners.

       MUDRAS

       ACHARYA KESHAV EXPLAINS TWO MORE MUDRAS. The Times of India, Sunday,
       August 10, 1980 Vayu Mudra-Air Posture : Bend the first finger to
       touch the root of the thumb, then press it down slightly by placing
       the thumb over it. The continued practice of this mudra stops
       muscular ailments, rheumatism and sciatica quickly. Surbhi Mudra-Cow
       Posture : Join the little fingers with the third ring fingers and
       the middle finger with the first finger in a transverse position. It
       is very useful for students with failing memories and in helping to
       control rheumatic inflammation.

       THE LIFE-GIVING DEVICE The Times of India, Sunday, July 27, 1980
       Mudra postures are useful in dealing with psychological, nervous,
       mental and physical problems. By: Acharya Keshav Dev It is not
       generally appreciated that in ancient India our forefathers had
       developed an integrated approach to life. Indeed, this fact has more
       or less been lost sight of. Thus today hardly anyone sees a
       connection between yogic exercises, classical dance, music and art
       forms, the Ayurvedic system of medicine, food habits, meditation,
       modes of dress, various form of worship and so on. This is largely
       the result of the neglect and misinterpretation of the texts. It is
       about time we undertook corrective measures. There is a wealth of
       knowledge which is waiting to be tapped for our elevation-spiritual,
       intellectual and physical. Quite early in life I came to believe
       that the mudra postures that we see in our old sculptures and which
       we adopt at the time of meditation, puja and other religious
       ceremonies are not unrelated to the problems of psychological,
       nervous investigations and experiments. The results have been
       gratifying. To reject the modern view that the human body consists
       of several elements, I stick to the ancient view that it comprises
       of five tatwas (elements)-fire, wind, space, earth and water-and
       that the five fingers represent them. The thumb represents fire (the
       agni), the forefinger (Tarjani) vayu (air), the middle finger
       (Madhyama) akash (space), the third finger (Anamika) prithvi (earth)
       and the fourth finger (Kanishika) jal (water). It is notable that
       our thumb and fingers resemble in size and strength the planetary
       aspects they represent. The sun is the largest planet in our
       universe and it has the strongest influence on our life. Indeed,
       there can be no life without it. The density of the magnetic phase
       of the earth is only 25 OE, while that of the sun is 30 to 500 OE.
       So is the position of our thumb.

       Physical ailments are the result of the disturbance in the
       equilibrium of the elemental forces of the body. I am convinced that
       the practice of the appropriate mudras can help us to overcome these
       disturbances and restore the proper balance. With this article I
       begin the presentation of some of the important mudras. I present
       two, today, with illustrations. SURYA MUDRA (SUN POSTURE) : Bend the
       Anamika (the third finger) till it touches the root of the thumb.
       Then press is slightly on the thumb. The third finger representing
       water is stimulated by the electric heat of the thumb-representing
       the sun. This posture (illustration No. 10 is useful for persons who
       feel heaviness in the body. Its practice produces nimbleness and it
       should be carried out in both hands while sitting in Padam Asan for
       three to five minutes twice or thrice every day. PRAN MUDRA (LIFE
       POSTURE) : Bend the kanistika and the Anamika (the little and the
       ring fingers) and the thumb so that the front edges of the fingers
       touch that of the thumb. Keep the other finger straight, as shown in
       illustration No. 2. This mudra, as its name suggests, is considered
       to be a life-giving device. Those who feel nervous, tired and weak
       can regain energy by practising this posture as much as possible. In
       the very early stage, one will begin to feel a kind of electric
       current flowing through the nerves. It is useful for the eyes as
       well.

YOUR WELL-BEING IS YOUR HANDS-ACHARYA DEV*Nagpur Times, Tuesday, May 8, 1978

NAGPUR, Monday, Acharya Keshav Dev of Vivekananda Yoga Ashram, New
    Delhi believes that India has the resources to solve her food problem, to replace the
    deserts with fields of grain and keep her people well fed and happy, if only the
    Government would give its financial and organisational assistance to those who have the
    ability to put these theories into practice. The government has however, refused to aid
    the many who have knowledge of these powers, himself included, on the ground that they are
    not educationally qualified enough, and so the knowledge and the power have remained
    unexploited.
    Yet, undaunted, the Acharya has been propounding his theories by
    delivering discourses about the ability of man to do the impossible, and has been
    gathering around himself all who wish to discard old misconceptions and believe in his
    findings. It is on one such a lecture-giving tour that he has come to Nagpur, for the
    first time, under the auspices of the Poddareshwar Ram Mandir.
    SLOW PROGRESS : The Acharya is, however, not very dismayed by his slow
    progress. According to him, <his research continues, and will one day yield such
    astounding fruit, that the public and the Govt, will be forced to accept his powers, and
    give him his due.< And the fact that the number of people who are being
    <converted> to practising his theories give his more confidence that the day
    will surely come.
    Acharya keshav Dev speaks with peculiar grace his voice has many tones
    which cast a spell on the listener.
    According to the Acharya, hands have a power all their own, they can
    curse according to the will of their owner, and one who knows how to use this power can
    control his life and health, both mental and physical.
    The five fingers of the hand present the five elements: the thumb is
    Agni, the forefinger Vayu, the remaining three are Akash, Prithvi and jal. These
    correspond to the five elements that make up the human body and thus control of these
    elements through the fingers is possible. Thus it is, that a patient with heart trouble
    can check the trouble and get instant relief by folding the forefinger down on the mound
    of the thumb, and joining the thumb with the tips of the third and fourth finger. And so
    on.

    The Acharya claims he has also learnt the treatment of other ailments
    merely through the power of his hands, and cured many. However, as these cures always left
    him affected with a mild form of the particular illness he had treated, he has stopped
    these cures now.
    Mudra Vigyan is not the only aspect of yogic power he knows. He also
    claims knowledge of face reading, astronomy, astrology, water divination, telepathy and
    spiritual powers. Considering that in the field of astrology he includes everything from
    architecture to mental health, his scope is indeed vast.
    Among other feats he includes the discovery of the location of metals
    with yogic powers, the instant planting and flowering of trees (an improvement of the
    popular Indian 'mango trick' ) and water divination.
    If only he could put the mango trick in application with food crops, he
    could wipe away the food shortage, he said.
    The sole aim of his research is now social service, he added.
    In spite of his discouragement at the official level, the Acharya has
    started applying his theories. In the Vivekanand Yoga Ashram which he runs in Delhi, he
    teaches students the way to health and control through the use of allopathy, homeopathy,
    Ayurveda and Mudra Vigyan. And this year he has taken 15 students as boarders and has
    selected three or four of them for following his way of life, saintly yet research
    oriented.
    Giving one example of his achievements he said he could teach this
    reporter the art of stopping the heartbeat and going into an undisturbed trance. And when
    the spell was broken be it after 10,000 years, the body would be as perfect as it was when
    the trance began.
    Though impressed, the offer had to be left unaccepted. Evidently it
    would have amounted to <sleeping on the job> and as such would have been
    disallowed.

A MUDRA FOR THE CHEST*The Times of India Sunday March 8, 1981
    The linga mudra is said to make the body more resistant to colds and
    chest infections. Acharya Keshav Dev Demonstrates it for you.
    Those who suffer from bad colds, incurable infections, congested chests
    and are prone to being affected adversely by the midlest changes in the weather, they are
    advised to practise the linga mudra. This mudra generates heat in the body and thus, while
    it <burns> away accumulated phlegm in the chest it also makes the body more
    resilient to the cold.
    This mudra is helpful in weight reduction too. However, because of the
    heat it generates, the mudra must not be practised with such flexibility as the Gyan mudra
    (dealt in a previous issue). It is taxing and can result in a feeling of lethargy.
    Weight-watchers who practice it must ensure that they eat fruits and ghee or butter. The
    advice may seem paradoxical but actually ghee and butter are cooling agents. Those who
    cannot afford or do not want to eat ghee are advised to drink a lot of water, at least
    eight glasses a day.
    Join both the palms and lock the facing fingers together, keeping one
    thumb upright. The upright thumb must be encirculed by the other thumb and index finger
    (see photograph).

MAN A FORM OF GOD'S POWER*ACHARYA DEV*Nagpur Times, Wednesday, 9 May, 1978
    NAGPUR, Tuesday

The service of God includes the well-being of man, for
    God is present in man and man is but a form of the power of God, said Acharya Keshav Dev,
    at a discourse at the Poddareshwar Ram mandir yesterday.
    Explaining the first shloka of the Bhagavad Gita, Acharya Dev said it
    proved that man was but an extension of the godliness of God. Like god, man was invisible,
    he was hidden in every inch of his own body but was separate through the spirit of man,
    and was present in every aspect of the world he had created.
    Before man could really worship God and come to know him and his
    greatness, it was necessary for him to know about himself, Acharya Dev pointed out. He
    added that it was possible for man to become what he ever wished to be by exercising the
    supreme power of his will over his well and lead and a healthy life, and become as Godlike
    as he wished . Citing an example, he said that the instances of even unlettered men and
    women becoming suddenly able to predict the future during short spells of time was but a
    manifestation of the capacity of human will to establish contact introduced Acharya Dev to
    the with God.
    Mr. Poddar of the temple, introduced Acharya Dev to the audience and
    also proposed a vote of thanks.

MUDRAS GRACEFUL GESTURES*Life Positive, December 1996

Classical dancers fold their fingers in various mudras. At Khajuraho,
    or even in the murals of Ajanta, figurines are almost invariably depicted with fingers in
    a mudra. It is little known, however, that mudra vigyan is Tatva Yoga-an essential aspect
    of yoga. And, believes Acharya Keshav Dev, these mudras can help cure many diseases.
    By Dipankar Das
    In a teeming tans-Yamuna locality of Delhi lies the Vivekanand
    Yogashram. Its director Acharya Keshav Dev is a lean man in his sixties. His eyes are
    perpetually half-closed but you can scarcely suspect indolence, rather it seems as if he
    is seeking something within. He discourses on the mysteries of the universe or hold forth
    on the virtues of ancient science with evident relish. In awe of nature, he believes man
    to be its supreme creation.
    The Acharya has spent years studying the ancient systems of astrology,
    numerology, music and grammar. He asserts that the sciences of yore got coated with sugar
    down the year. <The ancients believed there were 24 diagnostic elements, is it a
    coincidence that the Gayatri mantra has 24 words, the Jains have 24 Tirthankaras, Sanatan
    dharma has 24 avatars,< he asks.
    One of his favourite subjects is the science of mudras. Emphasising on
    hasta mudras (hand postures), the Acharya says there is tremendous flow of energy on our
    hands and each finger represents one of the five elements-the thumb is agni (fire), the
    forefinger is vayu (air), the middle finger is akash (ether), the ring finger is prithvi
    (earth) and the little finger is jal (water). <the roots of all diseases lie in an
    imbalance of one of the five elements and can be corrected with medicines, willpower and
    mudras,< he says.

The Gayatri mantra also confirms the worth of mudras with a grim
    qualifier: Eta mudra na janati Gayatri nishfala bhavat (he who knows not the mudras
    will not benefit form Gayatri). The mantra lists 24 mudras, while an unknown number lies
    in the many forms of yoga. Acharya Keshav Dev has, however, evolved some of his own mudras
    which help control many of the diseases that afflict us today.
    <Often you might have been rebuked by your mother for twiddling
    your fingers or dangling your legs. This is considered inauspicious because it involves a
    waste of prana or the vital energy within us,< he explain. >An excess of wastage
    can even lead to brain damage: mudras vigyan taps this energy to heal the individual. The
    science of mudras is one of the finest gifts of yoga to the cause of human welfare,
    <he adds.
    Born in 1931, to the president of the local bar council in Meerut,
    Keshav Dev's house was full of religious literature. During the turmoil of Partition, he
    wandered away from home and began rigorous ascetic practices, living on fruit juices for
    six months. He discovered the magic of mudras when he had an earache. His guru suggested a
    mudra that, however, proved ineffective, but it led him to configure his fingers in new
    ways. One of the shapes, which he later christened Shunya Mudra, cured him completely, and
    enhanced his aural faculty to such an extent that he seems to have heard his inner voice
    to and has not ceased trying our new shapes since. His mission in life now is simply to
    help as many as possible by retrieving the lost discoveries of an ancient sicence.
    These mudras are for everyone. The can be practised for half-an-hour
    daily. It is advisable to sit cross-legged on your bed or on the floor while doing a
    mudra, but the Acharya assures that it won't be ineffective if you do not follow this
    posture. You could even go for a stroll, with you hands casually tucked in your pockets,
    fingers folded in a particular mudra.
    Mudras never generate an excess of energy, they simply seek an optimal
    balancing of prana, much like a thermostate. So next time you are ailing, remember it may
    just be an instance of maladjusted prana and an innocuous sleight of hand could be the
    cure. For details, contact: Vivekanand Yogashram, Patparganj Road (Khureji), Delhi-110051,
    Ph. & Fax : (011) 2210663.

GYAN MUDRA : The thumb and the index finger are brought together in
    gentle contact, not pressing hard, while all other fingers are kept upright. This is the
    mudra most people are familiar with. Great thinkers such as Buddha, Mahavir, Christ and
    Guru Nanak are generally depicted in this pose. Its practice ensures mental peace,
    concentration, sharp memory and spiritual feelings. It cures insomnia and metal disorders
    and dissipates tension, depression and drowsiness. This is a must for those who aspire to
    develop telepathy or wish to acquire to develop telepathy or wish to acquire extrasensory
    abilities.

APAN VAYU MUDRA : (Also known as Mritsanjeevini Mudra) Fold the
    forefinger down and touch the mound of the thumb. The little finger should be held erect.
    It regulates complications of the heart. In a severe heart attack, if administered as a
    first aid measure within the first few seconds, it provides instant relief.
    PRAN MUDRA : Touch the points of the little of the little finger and
    the ring finger to the tip of the thumb lightly. This is a life-giving mudra, it energises
    the body and improves its vitality. It helps to improve eyesight. A must for those who
    feel nervous, tired and weak.

SURABHI MUDRA : Join the little finger of one hand with the ring finger
    of the other and vice versa. Similarly, join the forefinger with the middle finger of the
    other hand and vice versa. Leave the thumbs free. This controls rheumatic inflammation and
    sharpens your intellect.

APAN MUDRA : Join the middle finger and the ring finger with the tip of
    the thumb : the forefinger and the little finger should be held upright. Provides relief
    in urinary problems and eases difficulty in labour and delivery. It facilitates the
    discharge of waste matter from the body and purifies the system.
    LINGA MUDRA : Join both the palms and lock the facing fingers together,
    keeping one thumb upright. The upright thumb must be encircled by the other thumb and the
    index finger. Makes the body resistant to colds, coughs and chest infections by generating
    heat in the body, and destroying accumulated phlegm in the chest. It helps in weight
    reduction too, but has to be practised with restraint. The intake of at least eight
    glasses of water, and butter and ghee as cooling agents in sufficient quantities is a
    must.
    Due to the heat in generates, it may not be possible to practise this
    mudra with as much ease and flexibility as the other mudras. It might prove taxing and
    result in a feeling of lethargy.

SHUNYA MUDRA : Being the middle finger down to touch the palm and bring
    the padding of the thumb on top of it, keeping the other fingers straight up. Do this for
    40 minutes a day. This mudra is ideal for ailments of the ear, and also helps those of the
    nose and the throat. Even five minutes of this mudra will help and earache.
    VARUNA MUDRA : A bit like the Gyan Mudra-touch the tip of the little
    finger with tip of the thumb while the other fingers are kept upright. Regular practice
    ensures an optimum level of water in the body and heals all ailments connected with
    dehydration.

INVOKING THE SPIRIT OF FIRE*The Statesman, November 7, 1953
    Brahmachary Keshav Dev with the fire, he claims to have lit by
    reciting mantras at a demonstration in New Delhi on Thursday.
    A young brahmachari sat cross-legged in the garden of a New Delhi
    housed at dusk on Thursday, with an empty triangular pit before him. Around him were
    flowers, traits and other offerings from the householders.
    He chanted an invocation and folded his hands in prayer; then poured a
    libation into the pit with a spoon.
    Tendrils of smoke appeared from the pit. He poured sacrificial ghee on
    it and the flames shot up. Firewood was added, and lose petals and other offerings made
    until there was a roaring fire.
    After years of self-purification, the brahmachari's father explained he
    had attained a state of grace in which he could invoke the spirit of fire.