Mudra

Mudra.

In Indian religions, a mudra (Sanskrit, literally "seal") is a gesture made with the hand or fingers. Along with asanas (body postures), they are used in yoga. Each mudra has a meaning. They are a central part of Hindu iconography. Mudras are also used in Buddhism. There are hand gestures in both Hindu and Buddhist iconography. An example would be the outward-facing open palm known as Abhay (without fear) mudra, a gesture meant to dispel fear.

Mudra Media

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  A 10th century Chola dynasty bronze sculpture of the Hindu god Nataraja (Shiva) posing various mudras

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  12th-century Japanese scroll showing different mudra gestures

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  Mode of action of mudras, serving to trap energy-fluids (breath, prana, bindu, amrita) and thus help to unblock the central sushumna channel

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  Korea's National Treasure 119. The right hand shows abhayamudra while the left is in the varadamudra.

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  Seated Iron Vairocana Buddha of Dopiansa temple in Cheorwon, Korea

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  A statue of the Buddha from Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India, 4th century CE. The Buddha is depicted teaching, while making the Dharmacakra Pravartana mudrā.

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  Reproduction of the Amitābha statue of Phật Tích Temple, Hanoi, demonstrating the dhyāna mudrā

References

• Stutley, Margaret (2003), The Illustrated Dictionary of Hindu Iconography (First Indian Edition ed.), New Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd., ISBN 81-215-1087-2 Originally published 1985, Routledge & Kegan Paul plc, London.

Other websites

• Mudras Photo Gallery Archived 2008-05-17 at the Wayback Machine
• Mudras in Buddhism Archived 2010-05-05 at the Wayback Machine