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Hand gesture

Chin and Jnana

Use a light meeting of thumb and index finger as a place to return your attention.

Practice the gesture

Give your attention a small, clear point of contact. When the mind wanders, the meeting of finger and thumb offers a simple place to return.

A close-up of one hand: thumb and index fingertips meet, with the other three fingers open.Enlarge image

Chin: a close-up of finger placement. Follow the instructions for resting the hand comfortably.

Illustrated hand placement

Settle in

Sit comfortably upright and rest both hands on your thighs, with the elbows at ease.

Place your hands

  1. On the right hand, bring the tip of the index finger gently to the tip of the thumb, making a circle.
  2. Let the middle, ring, and little fingers remain open without stretching them stiffly.
  3. Make the same shape with the left hand.
  4. Turn the palms upward and let the backs of the hands rest on your thighs.

Breath and attention

Breathe naturally while noticing the light contact between finger and thumb. When attention wanders, return to that contact.

What to notice

  • Can the circle stay light, with no pinch in it?
  • Are the other three fingers and the wrists comfortable too?

Finish gently

Separate thumb and index finger, open the hands, and let them rest on the thighs.

Make it easier

Try one hand at a time. If bringing the fingertips together is uncomfortable, let that hand rest open.

Take care

Do not pull on the finger joints to complete the circle. Release if the position causes pain or tingling.

Sources and meaning

The practice begins with the palms-up form called Chin mudra in the cited sources. The Australian School of Meditation and Yoga calls the same finger shape with palms down Jnana mudra. You can gently turn the hands over to explore that variation if it is comfortable. Names vary across schools. ASMY interprets the meeting of finger and thumb as a symbol of the individual soul’s relationship with the Supreme.