Mudras : Buddhist hand positions

These various Buddhist hand positions are called Mudras and are thousands of years old. These mudras are of great importance for the meaning of Buddha statues.

Bhumisparsha mudra

Bhumisparsha Mudra means "Earth Witness Gesture." It represents when the Buddha called upon the Earth to witness his enlightenment.

Namaskara mudra

The Namaskara mudra is the gesture of greeting, prayer and adoration.

Abhaya mudra

The Abhaya mudra is the gesture of no-fear.

Dharmachakra mudra

Each hand's thumb and index finger touch to form a circle, symbolizing the Wheel of Dharma

Varada mudra

The Varada mudra signifies offering, welcome, charity, giving and compassion.

Vitarka mudra

The Vitarka mudra is the gesture of discussion and transmission of Buddhist teaching.

Dhyana mudra

This gesture is the mudra of witness (earth-touching)

Karana mudra

Karana Mudra - A mudra is a symbolic hand gesture and finger posture that acts as a non-verbal mode of communication and self-expression.