Tibetan Buddhist deities are often represented with hands and fingers in ritual poses, symbolic of their attributes. "Mudra" is the Sanskrit term for the symbolic hand gestures used in Buddhist rituals and accordingly in the iconography. Mudras were introduced into Tibet by Padmasambhava, an Indian scholar, in the 8th century A.D. They became part of a ritual language, involving the use of mantras, mudras, and the thunderbolt scepter, or vajra that, in Tibet, was known only to the higher initiates. A Mantra, such as the sacred syllable "Om", had to first be visualized, then pronounced as sound, and finally expressed physically through hand gestures, or mudras. Thus thought, speech and body, the three vehicles for the Divine Presence, are called into activity. Through these, one can reach samadhi, the highest state of consciousness. A corresponding idea is inherent in the Tibetan Buddhist Triad, or Three Jewels, which consists of Buddha, symbolizing Divine Wisdom, the Dharma, or Law, representing the word, or verbal teachings, and the Sangha (clergy), standing for the body of Buddhism. Each hand and each finger has a particular significance. The right hand, for example, is associated with the moon and male principles. It stands for the spiritual method. The left hand is associated with the sun and female principles. It stands for spiritual wisdom.
Below is a brief description of various mudras.
This mudra refers to an episode in Buddha's life when a drunken elephant, sent by the malevolent demon Devadatta, threatened to crush him. With this gesture Buddha appeased the elephant and subdued him. The gesture dispels hesitation and fear, instills confidence and trust in the Dharma, and assures followers of Buddha's protection. The right arm is elevated and slightly bent. The hand is level with the shoulder, all fingers are extended upward, and the palm is turned outward.
With this gesture, Shakyamuni Buddha called upon the earth to witness his victory over the temptations of Mara, Lord of Illusion. The right arm is pendant over the right knee. The hand, palm inward, all fingers down, is touching a lotus throne. The left hand lies on the lap with the palm upward, as in the Meditation Mudra.
The gesture of discussion and debate indicates communication and an explanation of the Dharma. The tips of the thumb and index finger touch, forming a circle. All other fingers are extended upwards. Sometimes the middle finger and thumb touch, which is gesture of great compassion. If the thumb and ring finger touch, they express the mudra of good fortune.
This gesture indicates salutation and respect. In Buddhist iconography, it symbolizes adoration. If held under the mouth, it indicates homage to the word of the teacher. It is, therefore, never seen on Buddha himself, as he is the subject of reverence. The two hands joined together also symbolize the static and dynamic, the spiritual and the material worlds. The hands are kept close to the chest in devotional attitude with the palms and fingers pressed together.
The highest state of consciousness, Samadhi, can be reached by means of deep concentration, tranquility and identification with the supreme unity. This gesture of meditation, made with both hands, or with the left hand alone, indicates deep Samadhi, or absolute balance. Both hands are placed in the lap, right hand on left hand, with all fingers extended and palms facing upward. Thumbs touch each other.
This gesture indicates the turning of the Wheel of Dharma, or law, in which Buddhas, through their teachings, set the Dharma in motion for beings of the six realms of existence. Both hands are held against the chest, with the left hand facing inward, covering right hand facing outward. The index finger and thumb of each hand form a circle, the 'wheel'.
View Our Buddhist Ritual Items Catalogue
View Our Buddha Statues Catalogue
View Our Bodhisattva Statues Catalogue
View Our Hindu God & Goddess Statues Catalogue
View Our Buddhist Ritual Items Catalogue
View Our Stupa Catalogue
