The Hand Mudras

Hand Mudras - Symbols of Deeper Meaning

The symbolic gestures of the hands of Buddha images, called mudras, are picture tools of identification of deeper meaning:

Gesture of Teaching

The Gesture of Teaching (Dharmacakra Mudra) with both hands in front of the breast, tips of the index finger and the thumps touching.

Gesture of Compassion

The Gift bestowing Gesture of Compassion (Varada Mudra) the right hand pendant with the palm turned outwards.

Gesture of Meditation

The Gesture of Meditation (Samadhi Mudra) with both hands resting on the lap, palms upwards.

Gesture of Fearlessness

The Gesture of Fearlessness (Abhaya Mudra) the right hand slightly elevated, the palm turned outwards, also called the Gesture of Renunciation.

Gesture of Debate

The Gesture of Debate explaining the Buddha’s teachings (Vitaka Mudra) with the hands raised and the tips of the forefingers and the thumbs touch each other.

Gesture Warding off Evil

The Gesture Warding off Evil (Tarjani Mudra) with forefinger and little finger outstretched.

Gesture of Prayer

The Gesture of Prayer (Namaskara Mudra) with the palms folded together.

Gesture Beyond Misery

The Gesture Beyond Misery (Buddha-Shramana Mudra) also called an ascetic’s Gesture of Renunciation.

Gesture of Warding off Evil

The Gesture of Warding off Evil (Bhutadamara Mudra) this is a protection gesture.

 

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