Buddha Mudras

The Buddha is depicted in various mudras and poses. 

Such as sitting, standing and reclining and sleeping. In Buddhism and Hinduism gesture of the hands and fingers are used in ceremonies to depict something on statues and painting. Showing a mystical or magical idea, expression or event.

Each one show some aspect of his life, the origin of it is from several thousand years ago. The basics are four body postures. When he is standing it means his descent from heaven. Walking indicates him taming the wild “Nalagiri” elephant sent by Devadatta to kill him. Seated is the most common posture.

There are three variants of seated positions, one is legs crossed with feets hidden; legs crossed with feet on thighs and soles turned upward, and this is the lotus position.

Also known as Asanas, more >

Buddha reclining with his head pointing to the north depicts his death and entry into nirvana.If his head is pointing in any other direction, it means sleeping. There are also six symbolic hand gestures each carrying a particular meaning. 

The Bhumisparsa mudra is the most common one, Buddha is seated with crossed legs, the left hand on his lap, hand palm upwards and the right hand touching the ground. This means asking Mother Earth to witness the enlightenment.

In the Dhyana he sits cross-legged with the palm of his right and left hand in in his lap.

The event in his life being depicted is indicated by the objects held in the hands or figures around the statue.

The Dharmacakra depicts him with both hands held in front forming a circle with the middle finger and thumb of his left hand touching the tips of the index finger and thumb of the right. This indicates the first Sermon at Sarnath, India, to explain the Wheel of Law.

The Abhaya, on a standing Buddha, shows the right hand raised and the left pointed downward. This means he promises his followers protection and courage if they accept and follow him. 

The Varada shows a standing Buddha with arms outstretched in front of his body, palms opened out and the tips of the fingers pointing downwards, it means blessing to his followers. As religion, art and culture cannot be separated; these Mudras are enacted by dancers and form their positions, gestures, and movements.

More > Reclining Buddha in Ayutthaya Thailand