Mudras in Buddhism and Hand Gestures

In government exams like SSC, Banking, Railways, etc. we find many questions from the History general awareness section. This is a very broad section and questions are coming frequently from this section. we will cover the General awareness section comprehensively so that students can learn and get most of the questions correct in this section. In this article, we will provide a list of different Mudras in Buddhism in Ancient India.

Mudra: An Introduction

• Mudras are a non-verbal form of communication and self-expression consisting of hand gestures and finger positions. 
  
• They are finger patterns based on symbolic signs that replace but retain the effectiveness of the spoken word and are used to evoke in the mind ideas symbolizing divine forces or the deities themselves. The composition of a mudra is based on specific movements of the fingers; in other words, they represent an effective form of communication. 
  
• It is an outward expression of “inner determination,” suggesting that such non-verbal communication is more powerful than the spoken word.
  
• In Sanskrit, the term “gesture” means “Sign” or “Seal”. 
  
• The hands crossed in the lap, representing meditation, palm up, representing teaching or comfort, and open palm down, representing charity, are common mudras or images of the Buddha.

Different Kinds of Mudras:

1. Dhyana Mudra (Meditation) 

The Dhyana (or meditation mudra) is commonly used in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, as a path of compassion for all living beings. In this hand gesture,  place your right hand on top of your left hand, palms facing up and thumbs touching lightly. The thumb’s touch symbolizes the union and enlightenment of the masculine and feminine in mind, body, and spirit. Usually, this mudra is performed with the hands on the lap or in the heart Centre.

2. Bhumisparsha Mudra (Earth Touching)

Bhumisparsha, the mudra that touches the earth, is one of the most well-known mudras. You will see Shakyamuni, is seated in this posture. The right hand is hung, fingertips down and “touching the earth”, palm facing inward. The left hand is in meditation mudra (Dhyana). the Buddha touched the earth when he got enlightenment. The earth has witnessed the awakening of the Buddha.

3. Vitarka Mudra (Teaching or Discussion)

 Vitarka (teaching or discussion) mudra is used in Buddhist iconography. It symbolizes the transmission of the dharma or the true teachings of the Buddha. In this mudra, the thumb and index finger touch, creating a circle that symbolizes an uninterrupted flow of wisdom. The other three fingers point up towards the heavens with the palm facing outward. This is held at around chest level.

4. Abhaya Mudra (Fearless)

The Abhaya Mudra is a symbol of courage and protection. The left hand is in meditation mudra (dhyana)  while the right hand is erect with the palm facing outward. All fingers point to the sky. The right hand is usually at chest or shoulder level.

5. Dharmachakra Mudra (Dharma Wheel)

Dharma chakra refers to the wheel of Dharma. This mudra involves the use of both hands The right index finger touches the right thumb and the left index finger touches the left thumb, forming two circles (wheels). In this mudra, the left palm faces inward while the right palm faces outward. This mudra is usually performed in front of the heart.

6. Anjali Mudra (Namaskara)

It is also called “Namaskara Mudra” or “Hridayanjali Mudra” which represents the gesture of greeting, prayer and worship. This is done by pressing the palms together with the hands held at the heart chakra and the thumbs resting lightly on the sternum.

7. Uttarabodhi Mudra (Enlightenment)

This gesture signifies supreme enlightenment by connecting with the divine universal energy. It is performed with the help of both the hand, which is placed on the heart, and the index fingers, touching and pointing up, and the remaining fingers are intertwined.

8. Vajra Mudra (Thunderbolt)

This gesture denotes the ray of fire, which symbolizes the five elements air, water, fire, earth and metal. It is performed using the right fist, the index finger of the left hand placed by enclosing the erect index finger of the left hand in the right fist, with the tip of the right index finger touching (or wrapping around) the tip of the right index finger left index finger.

9. Karana Mudra (Destroying Evil)

This symbolizes warding off evil which is done by raising the index and the little finger and folding the other fingers. It reduces sickness or negative thoughts.

10. Varada Mudra (Boon Dispenser)

This mudra represents offering, welcoming, charity, generosity, compassion, and sincerity. It is performed with the help of both hands, with the palm of the right hand facing forward and fingers straight, and the palm of the left hand placed near the omphalos with straight fingers.