What is a mudra?

A mudra is a symbolic gesture, usually made with the hands. The Sanskrit word mudrā means "seal" or "sign". In Buddhist art, the position of the hands on a statue or painting often tells you which moment or quality of the Buddha it shows. In meditation and ritual, especially in Vajrayana, practitioners also make mudras themselves.

Mudras in Buddhist images

Some gestures are seen again and again. Once you know them, many images become easier to read.

• Meditation gesture (dhyāna mudrā). Both hands rest in the lap, palms up, the right on the left, sometimes with the thumbs touching. It shows deep concentration.
• Earth-touching gesture (bhūmisparśa mudrā). The right hand reaches down over the right knee to touch the ground. It recalls the night of the Buddha's awakening, when, according to tradition, he called on the earth to witness his resolve. It is very common in Theravada images.
• Teaching gesture (dharmacakra mudrā). Both hands are held at the chest, with thumb and finger of each hand forming circles. It recalls the first teaching, known as setting the wheel of the Dharma in motion.
• Fearlessness gesture (abhaya mudrā). The right hand is raised, palm outward. It offers protection and reassurance.
• Giving gesture (varada mudrā). The hand is lowered, palm outward. It expresses generosity and the granting of wishes.

In images of the Buddha Amitābha, a variation of the meditation gesture is common, with forefingers and thumbs forming circles.

Mudras in practice

In Vajrayana and in Japanese Shingon, mudras are part of ritual and meditation, often combined with mantra and visualisation. The hands, speech and mind together are seen as expressing the qualities of an awakened being. Such practices are usually learned from a teacher.

Many simple gestures are also used in everyday practice. In much of Asia, people greet monks and each other with palms joined at the chest, called añjali in Sanskrit. It shows respect and is used when bowing, chanting and making offerings.

Using a mudra in meditation

Many people meditating on their own simply rest the hands in the meditation gesture. It keeps the shoulders easy and the hands still, and the contact of the thumbs can act as a gentle check on attention: if they press hard or drift apart, the mind may have tightened or wandered.