Abundance, Prosperity, and Good Fortune: Lakshmi Mudra
In art school, we were required to write an artist's statement, and the one I wrote about 30 years ago (😱) still applies to my inspiration:
"The world of spirit, myth, and shared human stories is all a source of artistic inspiration. In my work, I seek to describe the relationship among humans, the earth, and the heavens through an intuitive, felt experience. In each creation, I invoke a meditative quality, reflecting on shared human stories and the natural world, and suggesting a connection among all beings at their source."
The world of spirit and myth is a huge inspiration in my work as a yoga teacher, too. So, all the many deities and their stories make their way into my practice and teaching.
Today, let’s explore the wisdom of Lakshmi and explore how to invite her vibrant energy into your daily life. Lakshmi is the Hindu Goddess of wealth and prosperity (both material and spiritual), as well as of light, wisdom, grace, and charm. She is the abundance of the natural world that we experience in the spring. Beyond material riches, she teaches that true prosperity encompasses spiritual growth, gratitude, and deep inner peace.
Lakshmi is much more than a symbol of financial success; she represents Dhana (material wealth), Dhanya (food and nourishment), Aishwarya (prosperity), and Saubhagya (good fortune). Her name stems from the Sanskrit word Laksya, which means "aim" or "goal." Her seed sound "Shri" or "Shrim" indicates the shimmering quality of the water's surface or the rustling of leaves in the breeze.
photo by Vivek Sharma, Unsplash
Lakshmi's image holds many symbols:
The Lotus: Lakshmi is almost always depicted standing or sitting on a blooming lotus flower. Rooted in the mud yet rising above the murky waters, the lotus symbolizes rising above the material world and achieving spiritual perfection while remaining unsullied by the negativity around us.
Four Hands: Her four arms represent the four essential goals of human life: Kama (desire/love), Artha(wealth/purpose), Dharma (righteousness/duty), and Moksha (spiritual liberation).
Coins: Gold coins often flow from her hands, reminding us that worldly and spiritual prosperity go hand in hand when shared with others.
4 Ways to Cultivate Lakshmi's Energy
You don't need a formal altar to invite abundance into your life. The goddess is said to favor homes and hearts that are generous and grateful. Try adopting these mindful practices:
Practice Daily Gratitude: Take 5 minutes to write down three things you are thankful for. A grateful heart creates a magnetic field that aligns with abundance.
Chant her Mantra: Chanting the powerful mantra "Om Shreem Maha Lakshmyai Namaha" for a few minutes daily can help calm the mind and invoke feelings of peace and good fortune.
Embody Generosity: True abundance thrives when you share it. Look for small ways to be generous—whether through volunteering time, helping a neighbor, or supporting your community.
Practice Mudra: You can combine all of these techniques into a brief meditation session. Bring your hands into Laksmi Mudra (see images below), repeat her mantra three times, and meditate on all you are grateful for in your life.
Lakshmi Mudra
Mudras are a way to hold your hands and guide energy and intentions. To come into Lakshmi Mudra, take both of your hands, and tuck the little, ring, and middle fingers into the palm. Extend the thumbs straight up, and place the pad of the index fingers on top of the thumb.
Like this, with both hands:
Close-up of Lakshmi Mudra hands
Then hold each hand in the position near the shoulders.
Lakshmi Mudra, both hands near shoulders, for abundance and propserity
Hold both hands near the shoulders.
Relax your shoulders, close your eyes if you like, and breathe deeply into your belly. Focus on the three things you are grateful for. Then use the energy of gratitude to help cultivate more abundance and prosperity in your life, both physically and spiritually.
Side View, Lakshmi Mudra
You can hold this mudra and meditate for 5 to 25 minutes. If you like, use this free gratitude meditation to guide you. When we channel "Lakshmi consciousness," we shift our mindset from fear and lack to one of limitless possibilities, generosity, and joy. Let me know if you try this practice, and note any insights that might arise.
Poem on Abundance
Abundance by Amy Schmidt, In memory of Mary Oliver
It’s impossible to be lonely
when you’re zesting an orange.
Scrape the soft rind once
and the whole room
fills with fruit.
Look around: you have
more than enough.
Always have.
You just didn’t notice
until now.
Abundance
