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BUDDHA
MUDRA AND BUDDHA GESTURE
Mudra is a non-verbal mode of communication and self-expression,
consisting of hand gestures and finger-postures. Buddha mudra
is symbolic sign based finger patterns taking the place, but retaining
the efficacy of the spoken word, and are used to evoke in the
mind ideas symbolizing divine powers or the deities themselves.
The composition of a buddha mudra is based on certain movements
of the fingers; in other words,Buddha mudra constitute a highly
stylized form of body or hand language. Buddha mudra is an external
expression of 'inner resolve', suggesting that such non-verbal
communications are more powerful than the spoken word.
Many
such mudra i.e. hand positions were used in the Buddhist sculpture
and painting of Nepal, Tibet, China, Korea and Japan. They indicate
to the faithful in a simple way the nature and the function of
the deities represented. Buddha mudra is thus gestures which symbolize
divine manifestation. Buddh mudras are also used by monks in their
spiritual exercises of ritual meditation and concentration, and
are believed to generate forces that invoke the deity.
But
buddha mudra is used not only to illustrate and emphasize the
meaning of an esoteric ritual. It also gives significance to a
sculptural image, a dance movement, or a meditative pose, intensifying
their potency. In its highest form, it is a magical art of symbolical
gestures through which the invisible forces may operate on the
earthly sphere. It is believed that the sequence itself of such
ritual hand postures may have eventually contributed to the development
of the mudras of Indian Classical dance.
BUDDHA
MUDRA (GESTURE)
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ABHAYA
MUDRA :
Abhaya
Mudra is the Mudra (Gesture) of Protection, peace and the
dispelling of fear.. Abhaya in Sanskrit means fearlessness.
In this gesture, the arm is elevated and slightly bent.
This mudra is characteristic of Dhyani Buddha Amoghsiddhi.
The right hand raised to shoulder height, the arm crooked,
the palm of the hand facing outward, and the fingers upright
and joined. The left hand hangs down at the side of the
body. In Thailand, and especially in Laos, this mudra is
associated with the movement of the walking Buddha (also
called 'the Buddha placing his footprint'). It is nearly
always used in images showing the Buddha upright, either
immobile with the feet joined, or walking.
This
mudra, which initially appears to be a natural gesture,
was probably used from prehistoric times as a sign of good
intentions - the hand raised and unarmed proposes friendship,
or at least peace; since antiquity, it was a plain way of
showing that you meant no harm since you did not carry any
weapon.
Buddhist tradition has an interesting legend behind this
mudra:
Devadatta,
a cousin of the Buddha, through jealousy caused a schism
to be caused among the disciples of Buddha. As Devadatta's
pride increased, he attempted to murder the Buddha. One
of his schemes involved loosing a rampaging elephant into
the Buddha's path. But as the elephant approached him, Buddha
displayed the Abhaya mudra, which immediately calmed the
animal. Accordingly, it indicates not only the appeasement
of the senses, but also the absence of fear.
In
Gandhara art, this mudra was sometimes used to indicate
the action of preaching. This is also the case in China
where it is very commonly found in images of the Buddha,
mainly in the Wei and Sui eras (fourth to seventh centuries).
The
Abhaya mudra is displayed by the fifth Dhyani Buddha, Amoghasiddhi.
He is also the Lord of Karma in the Buddhist pantheon. Amoghasiddhi
helps in overcoming the delusion of jealousy. By meditating
on him, the delusion of jealousy is transformed into the
wisdom of accomplishment. This transformation is hence the
primary function of the Abhaya mudra.
But
it is not just the divine Buddha who is credited with making
mudras. Every position assumed and every gesture performed
by our mortal body may be said to imprint its seal on the
Ether, and sent forth a continuous stream of vibrations
that impress the atmosphere. But to be really effective
there must be a deliberate and intended arrangement of the
body or parts of the body. Such an arrangement is nothing
but the yoga of mudra. It is interpreted as being able to
bring the physiological system in harmony with the cosmic
forces and so form a magical microcosm through which the
macrocosm can be represented, channeled, and utilized. The
mudra in all its variations is, therefore, a traditional
body pattern; an archetypal posture of performed occult
significance.
We
perform mudras in every action, every moment of the day.
Each action is a symbol of our underlying mental and physical
condition and results because of the various energy patterns
forming within our being. These patterns determine our personality
character and mannerism and expressions. Thus our every
moment is an expression of our inner-nature. Consciously
performing mudras allow us to become more aware of inner
energy and to control it so that we make the most of each
moment. The effect is total, at once subtle but powerful.
In this way, we learn to integrate our dissipated thoughts
and actions, so that life becomes a graceful flow of energy
and understanding. Our whole being can then become a mudra,
a gesture of life within, reflecting into our external life.
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BHUMISPARSA
MUDRA:
Bhumisparsa is the mudra of witness (earth - touching).
The right arm is pendant over the right knee. The hand with
the palm turned inward and all the gingers extended downward
with the finger touching the louts throne. The left hand
lies on the lap with palm upward. This gesture 'of touching
the earth' or calling the earth to witness' commemorating
Gautam Buddha's victory over temptation by the demon Mara.
This gesture is Characteristic of Dhyani Buddha Akshobhya
as well as Shakyamuni.
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DHARMACHAKRA
MUDRA
Dharmachakra Mudra is the gesture of Teaching. Literally,
Dharma means 'Law' and Chakra means wheel and usually interpreted
turning the Wheel of Law.
This
mudra symbolizes one of the most important moments in the
life of Buddha, the occasion when he preached to his companions
the first sermon after his Enlightenment in the Deer Park
at Sarnath. It thus denotes the setting into motion of the
Wheel of the teaching of the Dharma.
In
this mudra the thumb and index finger of both hands touch
at their tips to form a circle. This circle represents the
Wheel of Dharma, or in metaphysical terms, the union of
method and wisdom.
The
three remaining fingers of the two hands remain extended.
These fingers are themselves rich in symbolic significance:
The
three extended fingers of the right hand represent the three
vehicles of the Buddha's teachings, namely:
- The
middle finger represents the 'hearers' of the teachings
- The
ring finger represents the 'solitary realizers'
- The
Little finger represents the Mahayana or 'Great Vehicle'.
The three extended fingers of the left hand symbolize the
Three Jewels of Buddhism, namely, the Buddha, the Dharma,
and the Sangha.
Significantly,
in this mudra, the hands are held in front of the heart,
symbolizing that these teachings are straight from the Buddha's
heart.
This
mudra is displayed by the first Dhyani Buddha Vairochana.
Each of the five Dhyani Buddhas is associated with a specific
human delusion, and it is believed that they help mortal
beings in overcoming them. Thus, Vairochana is believed
to transform the delusion of ignorance into the wisdom of
reality. By displaying the Dharmachakra mudra, he thus helps
adepts in bringing about this transition.
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DHYANA
MUDRA
Dhyana Mudra
is the Mudra of Meditation. It is also called Samadhi or Yoga
Mudra. The
Dhyana mudra may be made with one or both hands. When made
with a single hand the left one is placed in the lap, while
the right may be engaged elsewhere. The left hand making the
Dhyana mudra in such cases symbolizes the female left-hand
principle of wisdom. Ritual objects such as a text, or more
commonly an alms bowl symbolizing renunciation, may be placed
in the open palm of this left hand.
When made with both hands, the hands are
generally held at the level of the stomach or on the thighs.
The right hand is placed above the left, with the palms
facing upwards, and the fingers extended. In some cases
the thumbs of the two hands may touch at the tips, thus
forming a mystic triangle. The esoteric sects obviously
attribute to this triangle a multitude of meanings, the
most important being the identification with the mystic
fire that consumes all impurities. This triangle is also
said to represent the Three Jewels of Buddhism, mentioned
above, namely the Buddha himself, the Good Law and the Sangha.
The Dhyana mudra is the mudra of meditation,
of concentration on the Good law, and of the attainment
of spiritual perfection. According to tradition, this mudra
derives from the one assumed by the Buddha when meditating
under the pipal tree before his Enlightenment. This gesture
was also adopted since time immemorial, by yogis during
their meditation and concentration exercises. It indicates
the perfect balance of thought, rest of the senses, and
tranquility.
This
mudra is displayed by the fourth Dhyani Buddha Amitabha,
also known as Amitayus. By meditating on him, the delusion
of attachment becomes the wisdom of discernment. The Dhyana
mudra helps mortals achieve this transformation.
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JNANA
MUDRA
Jnana Mudra is the gesture of teaching. In this gesture,
the tips of the index and the thumb are joined and held
near the centre of chest with the palm turned inward. This
is the characteristic mudra of Manjushree.
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NAMASKAR
MUDRA
Namaskar Mudra is the gesture of prayer. In this gesture,
the hands are kept closed to the chest in devotional attitude
with the palms and fingers joined. This is the special gesture
of Avalokiteswara when with more than two arms.
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TARJANI
MUDRA
Tarjani Mudra is the gesture of threatening or warning.
Only the index finger is raised while the other fingers
are locked up in the fish. This mudra is characteristics
of most of the wrathful deities.
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VAJRAHUNKARA
MUDRA
Vajrahunkara Mudra is the gesture of Adi Buddha, Vajradhara.
In this gesture the wrists are crossed at the breast. The
hands hold usually the Vajra and Ghanta. This is the special
mudra of Vajradhara and Samvara and most of the gods when
holding their Saktis.
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VARADA
MUDRA
Varada
Mudra is the gesture of Charity or conferring boon or grace.It
is the mudra of the accomplishment of the wish to devote
oneself to human salvation. It is nearly always made with
the left hand, and can be made with the arm hanging naturally
at the side of the body, the palm of the open hand facing
forward, and the fingers extended. This is the Mudra of
Dhyani Buddha Ratna Sambhava, Avalokiteswara, sometimes,
of a standing Sakyamuni.
The
five extended fingers in this mudra symbolize the following
five perfections:
Generosity
Morality
Patience
Effort
Meditative
Concentration
This
mudra is rarely used alone, but usually in combination with
another made with the right hand, often the Abhaya mudra
(described below). This combination of Abhaya and Varada
mudras is called Segan Semui-in or Yogan Semui-in in Japan.
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VITARKA
MUDRA
Vitarka Mudra is the gesture of argument. In this gesture
the tips of thumb and index finger touched forming a circle.
All the other fingers are extended upwards. The arm is extended
all way down with palm facing outwards, fingers extended downwards.
This is the Mudra of Dhyani Buddha Ratna Sambhava, Avalokiteswara,
sometimes, of a standing Sakyamuni. This is the mystic gesture
of Taras and Boddhisatwas. |
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