What is a Mudra?
A Mudra (also known as a “sign” or a “seal” in Sanskrit) is the pose or gesture of the hand often depicted in Buddhist art to represent the intended action of the Buddha.
The most notable mudras commonly found in representations of the Buddha include:
1. Dhyani
With the mudra of meditation, the back of the right hand rests on the upturned palm of the other with the tips of the thumbs lightly touching. The top hand symbolizes enlightenment; the bottom hand, the world of appearances. Thus the mudra as a whole suggests the supremacy of the enlightened mind.
2.Vitarka
Teaching mudra. Held at chest level, the right hand faces outward. The thumb and forefinger form a circle, symbolizing the “Wheel of the Teaching.” Pointing downward, the left hand faces outward or lies palm up in the lap.
3.Dharmachakra
Mudra of turning the Wheel of the Teaching. The thumbs and forefingers of each hand form circles that touch one another. The left hand faces inward, the right hand, out. The hands are held on a level with the heart.
4.Bhumisparsha
With the earth-touching mudra, the left hand rests in the lap with the palm facing upward. The right hand rests palm down on the right knee with the fingers pointing toward the earth. When the Buddha attained enlightenment, he reportedly used this gesture to summon the earth to bear witness to his victory over the seductive forces of illusion.
5.Abhaya
Mudra of blessing or protection. The right hand, held at shoulder level, is pointed upward with the palm facing out. Attributed to the Buddha immediately following his enlightenment, the Abhaya is usually intended as a gesture of reassurance.
6.Varada
Mudra of giving or generosity. The palm of the right hand faces out with fingers pointed downward.
7.Bodhyagri
Mudra of supreme wisdom. The right forefinger is grasped in the fist of the left hand. It is subject to a variety of interpretations. Some sources refer to it as “the mudra of the six elements”: the five elements—earth, water, air, fire, and ether—all surrounding and protecting man.
8.Anjali
Mudra of greeting. The universal greeting and gesture of respect throughout the Buddhist world. Formed by placing the palms together at the level of the heart, with the fingertips pointed upward.
Sometimes, a specific mudra is also adopted in practice to evoke a particular state of mind. The two most commonly used mudras in Mahayana practice are: Dhyani Mudra during meditation pose and Anjali Mudra during greetings.
In the Vajrayana tradition, mudras carry an esoteric significance and are usually combined with mantra recitation and tantric visualization. Every mudra has both an outer/symbolic and an inner/experiential function, for it communicates at once, both to the person who performs them and to the observer, aspects of the enlightened mind.