Mudras are hand positions and gestures widely used to portray Buddhas in art, sculpture, and Indian dance. In Hinduism and Buddhism, a mudra is a ritual hand gesture that stands for a certain time in the historical Buddha's life.
Despite the vast number of mudras, Buddhist art often only depicts a small selection. The meaning of these hand gestures needs to be clarified.
Hindu and Buddhist iconography statues often feature symbolic gestures known as mudra, which means seal, mark, or gesture in Sanskrit.
While most Mudras are performed with the hands and fingers, some call for the full body.
Many Buddhist statues' structures, art styles, and traditions differ depending on their place of origin or the period in which they were created.
However, the Mudras depicted on these statues have stayed relatively unchanged so that we can use them as a guide to the spiritual gestures taught by Lord Buddha.
Mudras are hand gestures that are both an energetic seal and an integral part of Buddhist spiritual practice and the veneration of Buddha statues.
Many people interested in Buddhism and Buddha sculptures have been curious about the Mudras, which show the Buddha in various hand positions.
The Buddha's posture has significance, and these mudras are no exception. Similarly, whereas Buddhist statues typically depict only four or five mudras, Hindu and Tantric rites might incorporate as many as 108 mudras.
While common hand movements are seen in Buddhist and Hindu imagery, each Mudra has its unique influence on a Buddhist practitioner.
Buddha Statues Mudras
Vitarka Mudra - Hand Gesture Of Teaching
The Vitarka Mudra is a mudra that promotes discourse and rational debate.
The circular shape formed by the thumb and index finger in this mudra represents the unceasing flow of energy and information.
The perfection symbol is the circle, which is like the eternal and flawless Law of Buddha in that it has no beginning and no end.
With the right hand held high over the shoulder and the left hand resting on the lap, palm facing up, the Vitarka Mudra is formed.
Dhyana (Or Yoga) Mudra – Gesture Of Meditation
One way to focus one's mind is with the Dhyana Mudra. In Asian art, sculpture, and garden fountains, this hand gesture is typical of seated Buddhas.
Practising this mudra entails placing the right palm underneath the left palm and gently bringing the thumbs together.
Placing the right hand on top symbolises enlightenment, while the other hand represents the material world.
Therefore, this action represents transcending the material world using a more enlightened mindset.
When the legions of Mara besieged the enlightened Gautama Buddha under the bodhi tree, he summoned the Earth to see his enlightenment and help him defeat the demons.
Varada Mudra – Gesture Of Blessing
Compassion and the ability to grant wishes are embodied in the Varada Mudra. Palm facing outward with fingers pointing downward is the correct way to hold the right hand in the Varada Mudra.
It stands for making desires come true and being generous with one's hands.
For a different take on the Varada Mudra, try combining it with the Abhaya Mudra, which is typically shown on standing Buddhas (right hand in the photo above), to create a left-handed version.
East Asian statues frequently feature the Varada Mudra, linked to the Dhyani Buddha Ratnasambhava.
Standing in the mudra posture, one should lower one's left arm slightly out from one's side, bend it at the elbow, and hold it at waist height.
Representing the motion at chest level when the subject is seated is common practice. Some see the outstretched fingers as a metaphor for the five virtues—charity, virtue, patience, persistence, and concentration—that make up the paramitas.
Making the abhaya mudra with the right hand is a common practice when performing a two-handed gesture.
These parts of the gesture represent the coming together of the masculine and feminine qualities of knowledge and initiative, respectively.
Abhaya Mudra – Gesture Of Fearlessness
Bravery and protection are conveyed with the Abhaya Mudra. Standing in my home's foyer is this Thai Buddha, appropriately posed in the Abhaya hand stance. Raising the right hand in an apparent "stop thief" gesture, the fingers are interlocked, and the palm faces outward.
Buddha Shakyamuni utilised this motion just after enlightenment to calm a drunk elephant.
The Abhaya Mudra is a powerful hand gesture that can make people feel safe and powerful. The Abhaya Mudra is a common pose for the Dhyani Buddha Amoghasiddhi.
It is common practice to combine the Abhaya Mudra with the Varada Mudra, exhibited with the left hand, to signify generosity, welcome, sincerity, and the distribution of favours. It is common to see standing Buddhas portrayed in this way.
Murals, sculptures, and popular prints by Buddhist artists feature it most prominently, and its symbolic significance is enhanced by the context in which it appears.
As is typical, making it with the left hand is believed to signal a stop or warning.
This reading stems from a well-known Buddhist tale of how the Buddha used the abhaya mudra to ward off an angry elephant set free by his jealous nephew and disciple, Devdutta.
The Buddha also used the mudra to settle a family disagreement over water in another event.
The representation of the mudra has changed slightly throughout the ages. Traditionally, when making a gesture in art, the hand is raised high over the shoulder.
However, starting in the fifth century C.E. and continuing into subsequent eras, the hand is shown dipping until it is at hip level. While it is most commonly found in depictions of the standing Amoghasiddhi, it is also linked to the walking Buddha in the Theravada sects of Laos and Thailand.
Bhumisparsha Mudra – Gesture Of Earth Witnessing
By performing the Bhumisparsha Mudra, one can summon the planet Earth to serve as a witness.
One definition of Bhumisparsha Mudra is "touching one's body to the ground." This was the action that Gautama Buddha took at Bodhgaya when he resisted the demon Mara's solicitations and called for the Earth to see his merit as a Buddha.
As you bring your right hand into a Dhyana Mudra position over your knee, palm facing inward and fingertips touching the floor, keep your left hand on top of your lap, palm facing up.
Often depicted with the historical Buddha sitting lotus-posted and occasionally holding a begging bowl in his left hand, the Bhumisparsha Mudra is also linked with the Dhyani Buddha Akshobhya.
According to some traditions, Akshobhya allegedly utilised the bhumisparsha mudra to turn anger into wisdom.
This interpretation is supported by Buddhist teachings, which frequently stress the need to control one's emotions and senses as a path to enlightenment.
One of the most significant mudras is the bhumisparsha, which represents the attainment of Buddhahood.
Dharmachakra Mudra – Gesture Of Dharma
A representation of the cosmic order's eternal energy, the Wheel of Dharma, is shown by the Dharmachakra Mudra gesture.
The first speech or teaching given by Buddha is sometimes linked with this gesture.
Forming this motion, one brings both hands to rest in front of the chest and heart, then raises one hand and turns the other palm outward.
The next step is to bring your right index and thumb fingers together with your left middle finger, keeping your left ring and pinky fingers straight.
This mudra teaches that one's heart is the source of the cosmic order's continuous energy.
This mudra is named after the dharma chakra, which means "wheel of law" in Sanskrit, and it alludes to the first discourse the Buddha gave at Sarnath.
It takes a specific pattern of finger and hand placements to conjure certain spiritual states and Buddha-taught virtues.
Holding the hands at chest level in a wheel-like fashion, the thumbs touch the index fingers of both hands. The two wheels' tips meet each other in a circular motion that makes the left hand's palm face inward and the right hand's slightly raised palm face outward.
Karana Mudra – Gesture Of Banishing
The compassionate and merciful goddess Kwan Yin sits serenely on the moon.
As she holds a fruit drenched in compassion in her right hand, she makes the Karana Mudra motion with her left, which wards off negative energy, illness, and evil.
The thumb rests on the middle two fingers in the Karana Mudra, while the index and little finger arch upwards, resembling rabbit ears or yak horns, to fend off an adversary.
Our solarium, with its big windows overlooking two streets, is ideal for the Kwan Yin mitred with the Karana Mudra according to Feng Shui principles.
If you want your home to be in harmony with Feng Shui, you should focus on cleaning the solarium of any negative energy. Many teens leave their automobiles parked outside and stay far into the night.
Kwan Yin, also known as Quan Yin or Guanyin, is a Bodhisattva of Compassion who, upon hearing the world's laments, bestows spiritual tranquillity, health, and compassion onto everybody. An enlightened being is called a Bodhisattva in Buddhism.
Anjali (Or Namaskara) Mudra – Gesture Of Salutation
Anjali Mudra, also known as Namaskara Mudra, is a hand gesture that conveys love, reverence, and welcome.
This mudra is a sign of reverence and prayer for all peoples, performed with the palms facing each other at chest level and the right thumb covering the left.
The sacred hand position is frequently utilised in Yoga as a great technique to enter a contemplative state of consciousness.
Japanese armed Kannons frequently display the Anjali Mudra as well. The goddess of mercy, Kuan Yin, is known as Kannon in Japanese.
Since Buddhas are not obligated to demonstrate devotion to anything, they are no longer seen with the praying hands.
Uttarabodhi Mudra – Gesture Of Self-Realization
By bringing the practitioner to the level of oneness with the supreme, Uttarbodhi mudra facilitates enlightenment. Gather your hands together at the level of your heart to do it. Hold your fingers together except the index, then extend your thumb downward.
The practice of this mudra attains the realisation of Buddhahood.
The journey of self-discovery is an ongoing effort to dispel the illusion of a materialistic or worldly perspective.
By focusing this mudra on this idea, the practitioner achieves self-realisation.
With the help of the knowledge that Uttarabodhi Mudra gives, a practitioner can transcend the many mental levels that have been causing them pain for a long time. Building self-assurance and awakening one's spiritual side are two more benefits.
Vajra Mudra – Gesture Of Fiery Thunderbolt
According to Tantrism, the Vajra Mudra is a hand gesture that symbolises the unity of all Buddhist doctrines.
The thunderbolt, which Vajra symbolises, destroys ignorance and negativity. As a Vajra Mudra, you encircle your right index finger with your left hand.
In this sense, the gesture might be understood in various ways.
The man or body is encircled by the five elements—air, fire, space, water, and Earth—used to symbolise the five fingers (left index finger).
Another option is to wrap one's fingers around a worldly illusion while one's left index finger stands for wisdom.
This mudra is dedicated to the Vairochana Buddha, also known as the celestial Buddha, who grants insight into the world. This can also trigger a spiritual journey.
Conclusion
Mudras are hand positions and gestures used to depict Buddhas in art, sculpture, and Indian dance.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, mudras are ritual hand gestures that stand for a specific time in the historical Buddha's life.
Buddhist art often only depicts a small selection of these gestures, which have their meanings clarified. Mudras are an energetic seal and integral part of Buddhist spiritual practice and the veneration of Buddha statues.
The Vitarka Mudra is a hand gesture that promotes discourse and rational debate, representing the unceasing flow of energy and information.
The Dhyana Mudra is a gesture of meditation, symbolizing enlightenment and transcending the material world.
The Varada Mudra symbolizes compassion and the ability to grant wishes, with palm facing outward with fingers pointing downward. Combining the Abhaya Mudra with the Varada Mudra can signify generosity, welcome, sincerity, and the distribution of favors.
The Abhaya Mudra conveys courage and protection, as seen in the Abhaya Mudra, which is a common pose for the Dhyani Buddha Amoghasiddhi.
The representation of the mudra has changed slightly throughout the ages, with the hand dipping until it is at hip level starting in the fifth century C.E. It is also linked to the walking Buddha in the Theravada sects of Laos and Thailand.
The Bhumisparsha Mudra is a gesture of Earth Witnessing, summoning the planet Earth to serve as a witness. This gesture is often depicted with the historical Buddha sitting lotus-posted and occasionally holding a begging bowl in his left hand.
According to some traditions, Akshobhya allegedly used the bhumisparsha mudra to turn anger into wisdom, supporting Buddhist teachings that emphasize the need to control one's emotions and senses as a path to enlightenment.
The Dharmachakra Mudra is a symbol of the cosmic order's eternal energy, the Wheel of Dharma. It involves placing both hands in front of the chest and heart, raising one hand and turning the other palm outward.
This mudra teaches that one's heart is the source of the cosmic order's continuous energy.
The Karana Mudra is a gesture of banishing negative energy, illness, and evil. It is performed with the thumb resting on the middle two fingers, while the index and little finger arch upwards.
The Anjali Mudra, also known as Namaskara Mudra, conveys love, reverence, and welcome. It is often used in Yoga to enter a contemplative state of consciousness.
The Uttarabodhi Mudra facilitates enlightenment by bringing the practitioner to the level of oneness with the supreme. It involves gathering hands at the heart level, holding fingers together except the index, and extending the thumb downward.
The Vajra Mudra symbolizes the unity of all Buddhist doctrines, destroying ignorance and negativity. This mudra is dedicated to the Vairochana Buddha, who grants insight into the world and can trigger a spiritual journey.
Content Summary
- Mudras, or hand gestures, play a crucial role in portraying Buddhas in art, sculpture, and Indian dance.
- These gestures hold significance in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing specific moments in the historical Buddha's life.
- Despite their vast number, only a small selection of mudras is commonly depicted in Buddhist art.
- The symbolic gestures known as mudra are prevalent in Hindu and Buddhist iconography statues.
- Mudras are integral to Buddhist spiritual practice and the veneration of Buddha statues.
- Buddhist statues' structures, art styles, and traditions vary based on origin and creation period.
- The hand positions depicted on Buddhist statues remain relatively unchanged, serving as a guide to spiritual gestures.
- The Buddha's posture, including mudras, carries significance, with each gesture influencing the practitioner differently.
- Hindu and Tantric rites may incorporate up to 108 mudras, compared to the typical four or five in Buddhist statues.
- Vitarka Mudra promotes discourse and rational debate, symbolizing the unceasing flow of energy and information.
- The circular shape formed in Vitarka Mudra represents the eternal and flawless Law of Buddha.
- Dhyana Mudra, a gesture of meditation, is common in seated Buddha sculptures, symbolizing enlightenment.
- Varada Mudra embodies compassion and the ability to grant wishes, with the palm facing outward and fingers pointing downward.
- Combining Varada Mudra with Abhaya Mudra creates a left-handed version, symbolizing generosity and welcome.
- Abhaya Mudra signifies fearlessness and protection, depicted in statues and known for calming a drunk elephant.
- The mudra is often combined with Varada Mudra to represent generosity and distribution of favors.
- Bhumisparsha Mudra summons Earth as a witness, representing Gautama Buddha's resistance to Mara's solicitations.
- The gesture involves touching the ground with the right hand in a Dhyana Mudra position.
- Bhumisparsha Mudra is linked with the Dhyani Buddha Akshobhya and turning anger into wisdom.
- Dharmachakra Mudra symbolizes the Wheel of Dharma, depicting the cosmic order's eternal energy.
- The gesture involves bringing both hands to the chest, raising one hand, and turning the other palm outward.
- Karana Mudra, a gesture of banishing, wards off negative energy, illness, and evil with a unique hand position.
- Kwan Yin, a Bodhisattva of Compassion, is often depicted with the Karana Mudra.
- Anjali Mudra, a gesture of salutation, conveys love, reverence, and welcome with palms facing each other.
- The mudra is commonly used in Yoga for entering a contemplative state of consciousness.
- Uttarabodhi Mudra facilitates self-realization, bringing the practitioner to the level of oneness with the supreme.
- The gesture involves gathering hands at heart level, holding fingers together except the index, and extending the thumb downward.
- Uttarbodhi Mudra aids in dispelling the illusion of a materialistic perspective and achieving self-realization.
- Vajra Mudra, a gesture of fiery thunderbolt, symbolizes the unity of all Buddhist doctrines.
- The mudra represents the destruction of ignorance and negativity through the thunderbolt symbol.
- Vajra Mudra encircles the right index finger with the left hand, symbolizing various aspects, including the five elements.
- The gesture is dedicated to Vairochana Buddha, granting insight into the world and triggering a spiritual journey.
FAQs About Buddha Statues
What Is The Karana Mudra, And When Is It Commonly Used?
The Karana Mudra is a gesture of warding off negativity and evil spirits. It involves raising the index finger while keeping the other fingers curled. It is often depicted in Buddhist art as a protective symbol.
How Does The Vitarka Mudra Contribute To Buddhist Teachings?
The Vitarka Mudra involves the thumb and index finger forming a circle while the other fingers remain extended. It symbolises intellectual argument, discussion, and transmission of Buddhist teachings. It is often associated with the act of teaching and intellectual discourse.
Is There A Mudra Associated With The Medicine Buddha?
Yes, the Medicine Buddha is often depicted with the Dhyana Mudra, symbolising meditation and healing. It signifies the Buddha's ability to cure suffering and promote spiritual well-being.
What Does The Dharmachakra Mudra Represent?
The Dharmachakra Mudra, also known as the "Turning the Wheel of Dharma" Mudra, involves the hands forming a wheel-like gesture. It represents the Buddha's first sermon and the continuous teaching and learning cycle in Buddhism.
Are Mudras Exclusive To Buddhism, Or Are They Found In Other Traditions?
While Mudras are significant in Buddhism, they are also utilised in Hinduism and other spiritual traditions. Each tradition may attribute slightly different meanings to specific Mudras, but the general concept of symbolic hand gestures is widespread across various cultures and religions.