Buddha Mudras: Hand Positions of the Buddha

Mudras are a non-verbal mode of communication and self-expression, consisting of hand gestures and finger-postures. They are symbolic sign based finger patterns taking the place, but retaining the efficacy of the spoken word, and are used to evoke in the mind ideas symbolising divine powers or the deities themselves. The composition of a mudra is based on certain movements of the fingers; in other words, they constitute a highly stylised form of body or hand language. It is an external expression of 'inner resolve', suggesting that such non-verbal communications are more powerful than the spoken word. Many such hand positions were used in the Buddhist sculpture and painting of India, Tibet, China, Korea and Japan. They indicate to the faithful in a simple way the nature and the function of the deities represented. Mudras are thus gestures which symbolise divine manifestation. They are also used by monks in their spiritual exercises of ritual meditation and concentration, and are believed to generate forces that invoke the deity. But a mudra is used not only to illustrate and emphasise the meaning of an esoteric ritual. It also gives significance to a sculptural image, a dance movement, or a meditative pose, intensifying their potency. In its highest form, it is a magical art of symbolical gestures through which the invisible forces may operate on the earthly sphere. It is believed that the sequence itself of such ritual hand postures may have eventually contributed to the development of the mudras of Indian Classical dance. Another interesting meaning is given to the idea of the mudra. It reveals the secret imbibed in the five fingers. In such an interpretation, each of the fingers, starting with the thumb, is identified with one of the five elements, namely the sky, wind, fire, water, and the earth. Their contact with each other symbolises the synthesis of these elements, significant because every form in this universe is said to be composed of a unique combination of these elements. This contact between the various elements creates conditions favourable for the presence of the deity at rites performed for securing some desired object or benefit. That is, mudras induce the deity to be near the worshipper.


ABHAYA - No Fear

What is Abhaya Mudra?

Abhaya is translated from Sanskrit as fearlessness. The Abhaya mudra is made with the open palm of the right hand extending outwards at the chest level or slightly higher. If you look at the Buddha hand gesture, or mudra, you will also feel the energy of protection, peace and a sense of strong, deep inner security.

Abhaya Mudra - At Fo Guang Shan Kaohsiung, Taiwan

DHYANA – Meditation

What is Dhyana Mudra?

Dhyana, or Samadhi mudra, is the hand gesture that promotes the energy of meditation, deep contemplation and unity with higher energy. The circling of energy created by the triangle (formed when the thumbs of the two hands touch) also promotes a cleansing of any impurities on an etheric level. Just by looking at this Buddha hand gesture (let alone practicing it!) one can connect to the energy of deep peace and serenity.

                                         

Dhyana Mudra - At Giac Lam Pagoda - Vietnam

NAMASKARA - Greeting & Adoration

What is Namaskara Mudra?

Namaskara, or Anjali mudra, is the hand gesture that evokes greeting another being with the utmost respect and adoration for the Divine in all. The greeting is expressed in a form of prayer coming from one's heart or the third eye. The Namaskara Mudra can be expressed with palms at the heart level or at the forehead. Why? Because only with the heart, or with a deeper spiritual insight (third eye) can one truly see that we are all expressions of the same light.

                                                   

Namaskara Mundra - At Wat Traimit, Bangkok

BHUMISPARSA - Touching The Earth

What is Bhumisparsa Mudra?

Bhumisparsa Mudra is translated as Touching the Earth, or Calling the Earth To Witness the Truth mudra. This hand gesture is always depicted with the right hand, while the left hand is on the lap, with the palm facing outwards (Varada Mudra). Bhumisparsa mudra is said to be Buddha's hand gesture when he achieved enlightenment. It represents unshaken strength and the truth of his commitment to liberation, which helped overcome the darkness (Mara) challenging him right before he entered the Light.

Bhumisparsha Mudra - At Kandeviharaya, Aluthgama, Sri Lanka

VARADA - Compassion, Sincerity & Wish Granting

What is Varada Mudra?

Varada mudra expresses the energy of compassion, liberation and an offering of acceptance. This mudra is made with the left hand and most often you can see it in conjunction with other mudras, such as the Bhumisparsa or the Abhaya mudras, for example. This mudra is also called a boon-granting mudra, because it helps bestow a specific quality of energy one might be seeking from an enlightened being. Often you can see a sacred shape, such as a mandala, or an eye in the palm of the Buddha hand. This expresses further the rarefied and powerful energy emanating from an enlightened being through his or her hands.

                                                                

Varada Mudra - in India

KARANA - Banishing & Expelling Negativity

What is Karana Mudra?

Karana mudra expresses a very powerful energy with which negative energy is expelled. This hand gesture is also called warding off the evil. You can sense a very determined, focused energy just by looking at this hand gesture. If you have a Buddha with the Karana mudra, be very mindful about its placement, be it in a home or office. You do not want it to face the front door (which should have welcoming energy). By the same token, you do not want it in your bedroom or your child's room.

Karana Mudra - Korea (Now at Los Angeles County Museum of Art)

VITARKA - Teaching Transmission

What is Vitarka Mudra?

Vitarka mudra is interpreted as the hand gesture that evokes the energy of teaching and intellectual discussion, or argument. It mostly feels like the transmission of a particular teaching with no words, and the circle formed by the thumb and index finger creates a constant flow of energy/information. Close to Abhaya Mudra, the energy created by this hand gesture allows for a transmission of knowledge in a protected way, without being impeded by fear.

                                                       

Vitarka Mudra - Near Belum Caves, Andhra Pradesh, India

DHARMACHAKRA - Wheel of Dharma (Cosmic Order)

What is Darmachakra Mudra?

Dharmachakra mudra expresses the continuous energy (symbolised by a wheel/chakra) of the cosmic order. The hands are placed at the heart level with the thumbs and index fingers forming circles (similar to Vitarka mudra). The right palm faces outwards and the left one faces towards the heart. This mudra is associated with Buddha's first sermon, or teaching. It is often referred to as the representation of teaching about the cosmic order as coming from (or through) the heart centre. 

                                                  

Dharmachakra Mudra - At Buddhist Museum, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

UTTARABODHI - Supreme Enlightenment

What is Uttarabodhi Mudra?

The Uttarabodhi mudra is called the mudra of supreme enlightenment. This mudra is formed with both hands placed at the heart; index fingers touching and pointing upwards, the other eight fingers intertwined. It is a hand gesture that clearly evokes a sense of unshaken unity within oneself in aligning with the One source. Try holding the Uttarabodhi mudra for a couple minutes and sense the subtle energy shift in your body!

Uttarabodhi Mudra - At Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, London

Karma

Karma is a word everyone knows, yet few knows what it means. Some think it means "fate" or is some kind of cosmic justice system. This is not a Buddhist understanding of karma, however.

Karma is a Sanskrit word that means "action." Sometimes you might see the Pali spelling, kamma, which means the same thing. In Buddhism, karma has a more specific meaning, which is volitional or willful action. Things we choose to do or say or think set karma into motion. The law of karma is a law of cause and effect.


Karma is a concept encountered in several Eastern religions, although having different meanings.


Teachings about karma explain that our past actions affect us, either positively or negatively, and that our present actions will affect us in the future.


Buddhism uses an agricultural metaphor to explain how sowing good or bad deeds will result in good or bad fruit (phala; or vipāka, meaning 'ripening').


Solely through our actions?


Early Buddhist writings (particularly SN 36.21: see related links for an annotated translation) suggest that not all that we experience is the result of past action; it may be due to natural events of one sort or another. This is one point on which early Buddhism appears to differ somewhat from later Tibetan teachings, which suggest that all the good and bad things that happen to us are the results of past actions.


Whilst there might be doubt, or different opinions, about why we are experiencing some sort of misfortune, there is no doubt that we can resolve any suffering in the present moment through the Buddhist teachings of mindfulness and action based upon good motives.


Beyond this life


For Buddhists, karma has implications beyond this life. Bad actions in a previous life can follow a person into their next life and cause bad effects (which Westerners are more likely to interpret as 'bad luck').


Even an Enlightened One is not exempt from the effects of past karma. One story tells that the Buddha's cousin tried to kill him by dropping a boulder on him. Although the attempt failed, the Buddha's foot was injured. He explained that this was karmic retribution for trying to kill his step-brother in a previous life.


On a larger scale, karma determines where a person will be reborn and their status in their next life. Good karma can result in being born in one of the heavenly realms. Bad karma can cause rebirth as an animal, or torment in a hell realm.


Buddhists try to cultivate good karma and avoid bad. However, the aim of Buddhism is to escape the cycle of rebirth altogether, not simply to acquire good karma and so to be born into a more pleasant state. These states, while preferable to human life, are impermanent: even gods eventually die.


Self-determined


The word karma means 'action', and this indicates something important about the concept of karma: it is determined by our own actions, in particular by the motives behind intentional actions.


Skilful actions that lead to good karmic outcomes are based upon motives of generosity; compassion, kindness and sympathy, and clear mindfulness or wisdom. The opposite motives of greed, aversion (hatred) and delusion, when acted upon, lead to bad karmic results.


Karma is not an external force, not a system of punishment or reward dealt out by a god. The concept is more accurately understood as a natural law similar to gravity.


Buddhists believe we are in control of our ultimate fates. The problem is that most of us are ignorant of this, which causes suffering. The purpose of Buddhism is to take conscious control of our behaviour.


Moral habits


The Buddha taught about karmic 'conditioning', which is a process by which a person's nature is shaped by their moral actions.


Every action we take molds our characters for the future. Both positive and negative traits can become magnified over time as we fall into habits. All of these cause us to acquire karma.


This shows why Buddhists place such importance on being mindful of every action they take.


Getting rid of karmic conditioning


Acting on karmic habits increases their strength. Buddhists gradually weaken any negative thoughts and impulses that they experience, through allowing them to arise and depart naturally without acting on them.


In this way karmic habits can be broken.

Practical Aids to Japa

• Select any Mantra and repeat it from 108 to 1,080 times daily (one to ten malas).

• Take a bath or wash your hands, feet, face and mouth before sitting for Japa in the morning.

• Sit facing east or north during the practice. This enhances the effectiveness of the Japa.

• Sit on a rug to conserve body-electricity. Sit in a separate meditation room or in any suitable place, such as a temple, on a river bank or under a banyan or peepal tree.

• Maintain a steady pose. You can sit in Padmasana, Siddhasana or Sukhasana. Resolve to complete a certain minimum number of malas before leaving your seat.

• Use a rosary of 108 beads. Do not allow the rosary to hang below the navel. The rosary (mala) must not be visible to you or to others, so cover it properly. Use the middle finger and the thumb of the right to roll the beads. The use of the index finger is not allowed. Do not cross the meru (main bead) while rolling the beads.

• Do mental Japa for some time without a rosary or mala. When the mind wanders, do the Japa aloud, or whisper the Mantra for some time and come back to mental Japa again as soon as possible.

• Do not chant mantra in haste. Do it slowly with feeling, concentration of mind and devotion.

• Try to associate the chant with the rhythm of the breath and meditate in the form of your Deity. Keep a picture or idol of the Deity in front of you. Think of the meaning of the Mantra while repeating it.

Observe silence and avoid distractions, calls and engagements. It is important not to leave the place at once after the Japa is over and mix with everyone or get into worldly activity. This keeps the spiritual vibrations intact.

The Joy Of Mantra Chanting

Mantra chanting is the process of repeating a word or phrase, often taken from the Sanskrit language. Mantras are a powerful series of mystic syllables that have an esoteric meaning. In other words, they are sacred word formulas that magnetize particular aspects of God to whoever is singing or chanting them.

In Hinduism and Buddhism, disciples recite mantras to invoke the power and presence of a divine being. In some traditions, devotees use mantras in spiritual meditation to help them become one with the deity they are invoking.

Christianity has mantras of its own, although they are not generally used as such by practising Christians.

The Ascended Master Saint Germain tells us that...

"All problems of the economy, the ecology, and the government can be resolved if you will take only ten minutes each day to go within and to find your own God Self, to meditate and to use the science of the spoken Word whereby you chant the mantra of the free: I AM a being of violet fire - I AM the purity God desires!

Here's another mantra that will increase your power to love and be loved:
I AM the resurrection and the life of every cell and atom of my heart now made manifest!
You can replace 'heart' with 'body' to support your overall health, or name other organs to facilitate their healing and wellness.

Please note when ever I mention the word God, it means Ascended Masters, Deities, Angels etc... The Higher Power

Healing Power Of Prayer

Understanding the Healing Power of Prayers

A failing heart, a weak body, tormenting pain, and terminal disease--crippled by these situations, people turn to different sources of healing. The healing power of prayers have been put to test different times. While science and religion often have a different take on this, there are studies and medical research that support claims that prayers, indeed, have a healing effect on patients. Even doctors attest to this, as they have seen patients recover from such a terrible illness without medical explanation or specific treatment. Others say that this is a form of miracle, but for many who believe in the healing power of prayers, this is a simple case of faith, believing in the higher power to heal the body, soul, and mind at once.

How prayers work

There are different approaches to prayers. Hold prayer group sessions, or simply reflect, meditate, and converse with God in their own way. It is said that healing is stirred when intentions are clear and sincere and faith is evident whether one is praying for other people or one's self.
Prayers can help a person cope with medical illness, depression, addiction, emotional pain, despair, and pain. Through prayers, people seek help from a higher being who's greater than our own fears, pain, and helplessness. And with these, we free our mind and body of anxiety and fear. By allowing the mind and body to relax, it helps bring positive energy and create some balance in our system, which helps the patient respond to treatment better. With renewed hope, patients tend to be more optimistic and such a behavior gravely affects their condition and will to survive. Some say that this is simply a placebo effect, in which symptoms are alleviated not because of an effective treatment, but simply because the patient believes that it will. Whatever the case, those who believe in the healing powers of prayer gain more strength, become more hopeful, at ease, and feels some of sort of vibrant energy flowing through their bodies, prompting their will to survive.

Benefits of praying

Through prayer, the mind becomes more alert, focused, and enlightened. Emotionally, one lets positive thoughts and energy to erase any doubt or negative thoughts about the treatment, thereby helping the body respond better to any form of medication or method of healing. Spiritually, one becomes more prepared for the outcome, more inspired, and feels more nurtured through the loving acts of his or her friends through prayers. Prayers do not only heal the mind, soul, and body, but can also help reinforce relationships during the most trying times.
The healing power of prayers can be best combined with any medical treatment or forms of alternative medicine.

What Is Real Love?

Buddhism and Unconditional Love

Buddhist philosophy teaches that true love is free from attachment and emotional dependence. Love is unconditional, the need of reciprocity is mere passion.

Loving and being loved is not as easy as it may seem. Building a strong relationship involves commitment and patience, and still, most people have at least once in life suffered because of a broken heart. Falling in love brings joy and tenderness as well as fear of loss, jealousy and insecurity. Is it impossible to love without suffering? Before delving into the reasons why people suffer for love, it's necessary to answer one essential question: what is real love?

What Buddhism Says About Love?

According to Buddhism, to love is an action. It's that force that motivates people to become better, to improve themselves in order to reach eternity and happiness. Love brings out the best in people, as when they love, the target is not themselves but the beloved ones. This wish to serve others is said to be a reflection of an innate knowledge that everybody is connected through the same principle, and therefore, it is an illusion to believe that one can achieve true happiness while those around haven't attained it . So, love is the action that makes people step out of their own ego and work in favour of the whole in a search for fulfilment.
In fact, Buddha said that he would not enter nirvana until the last person had reached enlightenment, and this is the main principle of the Mahayana school, which teaches that true love is the wish that every living creature achieves wisdom and pure joy. So, those who love, work to lead the beloved ones towards enlightenment.

The Difference Between Love and Passion

When a person truly loves another, nothing can be expected in return, because the motivation is the spiritual growth of the beloved ones, not reciprocity. If a person loves another only if the other person loves him or her too, or only if the other person is faithful, then, this conditional love hides an unconscious assumption that it is necessary to be loved in order to love, and, according to Buddhist philosophy, this is a mistake as love ought to be an end in itself.
Passion has nothing to do with this force that impels people to guide the beloved ones towards unity and true happiness. Passion is a desire to please the senses and to be physically fulfilled, however, as much as two people can complete each other physically, if the motivation behind the union is to obtain physical pleasure, none of them will experience real love.

Why Do People Suffer for Love?

Many people only love so that they can be loved, and use love as a tool to avoid the feeling of rejection and for fear of being alone. When a person cannot live without another and needs to be loved in order to be happy, love is only a mask to hide neediness. If the fact that love is not reciprocal or exclusive causes sadness and anger, this might be an indicator that the ability to love is conditioned to the possibility of being loved. This, according to Buddhism, is not love.
True love is free from emotional attachment. Romantic love reaches its peak when two people are together for the mutual wish to grow spiritually and do not depend on each other to attain inner peace and happiness. The greatest lesson of Buddhism is that detachment does not mean that loving is meaningless. Rather, detachment is the state of mind that allows people to love even more, abundantly, and for the right reasons – because every single living being is a small part of the same universal body and not loving the neighbour would be the same as not loving oneself.

The Noble Eightfold Path