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