Hand Mudras: Symbolic Gestures of Enlightenment

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The Significance of the Teaching Hand Mudra

The Teaching Hand Mudra involves joining the thumb and middle finger. Alternatively, it can be the index or ring finger. The other fingers extend naturally. This hand mudra symbolizes teaching the Dharma. Specifically, it represents the Buddha's first teaching in Sarnath's Deer Park. Therefore, people call it the Teaching Hand Mudra or the Turning the Wheel of Dharma Hand Mudra. In this hand mudra, both hands are used. The right hand lifts to the chest, palm facing out. The thumb and index finger (or middle or ring finger) of the left hand form a circle. The other three fingers extend slightly. This signifies the Buddha's teaching. Shakyamuni Buddha and other Buddhas use this hand mudra. Notably, Tibetan masters like Atiśa also use it.

Understanding the Fear-Not Hand Mudra

The arm bends and rises to chest level. The fingers extend naturally, and the palm faces outward. This hand mudra embodies the Buddha’s compassion. Furthermore, it shows his desire to free beings from suffering. It brings peace and removes fear. Thus, it is called the Fear-Not Hand Mudra.

Exploring the Wish-Granting Hand Mudra

The hand lowers naturally. The fingertips point down, and the palm faces outward. This shows the Buddhas' ability to grant wishes. They help realize the desires of all beings. This hand mudra conveys kindness. Often, it appears with the Fear-Not Hand Mudra. White Tara also performs this hand mudra.

The Earth-Touching Hand Mudra and its Meaning

The right hand rests on the right knee. The fingers touch the ground. This symbolizes overcoming negative forces. Tradition says that Mara tried to stop Śakyamuni's meditation. Then, Śakyamuni touched the earth. He called it as his witness. Consequently, the earth goddess appeared. She confirmed Śakyamuni's enlightenment. This made Mara retreat in fear. Hence, this hand mudra is the Earth-Touching Hand Mudra. It's also known as the Bhūmisparśa Hand Mudra.

The Essence of the Meditation Hand Mudra

Both hands rest in the lap, palms up. The right hand rests on the left. The tips of the thumbs touch. This hand mudra represents meditative focus. It signifies inner peace. People say Śakyamuni Buddha used this posture. He meditated under the Bodhi tree and achieved enlightenment. In Vajrayana Buddhism, Vairocana Buddha uses this hand mudra. It’s known as the "Dharma Realm Meditation Seal."

The Power of the Wisdom Fist Hand Mudra

This hand mudra is also known as the Bodhi Seal. Another name is the Great Wisdom Seal of Vairocana. Each hand forms a "vajra fist." This means enclosing the thumb within the four fingers. Then, the right fist grasps the left hand’s index finger at the chest. This is Vairocana Buddha's hand mudra in the Diamond Realm Mandala. It represents supreme wisdom as power. The fist represents wisdom. It symbolizes removing ignorance and gaining Buddhic wisdom.

The Purpose of the Threatening Index Finger Hand Mudra

Touching the middle finger to the thumb forms this hand mudra. The index finger is raised. Vajrayana Buddhism uses this as a seal. It helps subdue negativity.

Understanding the Vajra Humkara Hand Mudra

Both hands form the Threatening Index Finger Hand Mudra. They cross at the chest. Wrathful deities often use this hand mudra. Dharma protectors also use it. They often hold a vajra bell and a vajra.

The Significance of the Anjali Hand Mudra

Also known as the Añjali Hand Mudra or prayer gesture, this involves joining the ten fingers. The palms touch. This signifies unifying the ten Dharma realms into one mind. In Vajrayana Buddhism, deities holding ritual items use the Añjali Hand Mudra. Donors are also commonly depicted using this hand mudra.

The Amoghasiddhi Buddha's Hand Mudra

This is a common hand mudra of Amoghasiddhi Buddha. The right hand forms the Fear-Not Hand Mudra. The left hand holds at the chest, palm facing out. The thumb and index finger join at the tips. The other fingers extend.

The Nine Grades of Amitabha's Hand Mudra

This is also known as the Nine Levels of Rebirth Hand Mudra of Amitabha. It's also called the Nine Grades of Rebirth Seal. Another name is the Three-Three Grades Seal. This is a common set of hand mudras for Amitabha Buddha. Depictions show Amitabha welcoming. The right hand forms the Wish-Granting Hand Mudra. The left hand holds a golden lotus pedestal at the chest. Alternatively, both hands stack. Palms support a golden lotus pedestal.

Exploring Vajrayana Buddhism's Hand Mudras

Vajrayana Buddhism includes many hand mudras. These often come from twelve joined-palm variations. Four types of fists also exist. These are explained below.

The Twelve Joined-Palm Variations in Detail

Solid Clasp: Palms press together firmly. Fingertips separate slightly.

Hollow Clasp: Ten fingers align evenly. Tips touch. Palms are slightly concave.

Unblown Lotus Clasp: Similar to the previous. A hollow space exists within the palms. It's slightly domed.

Opening Lotus Clasp: The two middle fingers and two thumbs join. The other six fingers spread out. It looks like an eight-petaled lotus.

Exposed Clasp: Both palms face upwards. They join together.

Water-Holding Clasp: Both palms face upwards. They join with fingertips touching. They cup slightly, like holding water. This resembles the gesture for receiving food.

Homage Clasp: Palms join. Fingertips interlock, right over left. It resembles the Vajra Clasp.

Reversed Interlocking Clasp: Right hand over the left. Palms face inwards. Ten fingertips interlock. The right fingers are over the left.

Reversed Back-to-Back Clasp: The right palm faces up. It supports the left palm facing down. This resembles the Meditation Hand Mudra.

Transverse Finger Clasp: Both palms face upwards. The tips of the two middle fingers touch.

Downward Facing Clasp: Both palms face downwards. The tips of the two middle fingers touch.

Downward Facing Clasp: Both palms face downwards. The tips of the two thumbs join. The fingertips point outwards.

The Four Types of Fists Explained

Lotus Fist: Also called the womb fist. It's often used as the main hand mudra in the Womb Realm. The fist forms by grasping the four fingers below the index finger. The thumb presses on the side of the index finger’s middle joint. The Lotus Fist often represents an unopened lotus flower.

Vajra Fist: Mainly used in the Diamond Realm. The Karma Hand Mudras relate to the Vajra Fist. While the formation varies, it generally involves grasping the middle, ring, and little fingers with the thumb. The index finger presses against the back of the thumb. The Vajra Fist represents the body, speech, and mind of all Tathagatas.

Outer Binding Fist: The fist forms by crossing both hands. The ten fingers are visible on the outside. This Vajra Binding represents the lunar disc. Several hand mudras use this as their base. It's used when visualizing a moon disc emerging.

Inner Binding Fist: The fist forms by interlacing the ten fingers. All fingers bend inwards towards the palms.

Besides these, the Wrathful Fist and Tathagata Fist can also be included.

The Wrathful Fist forms by grasping the thumb with the ring and middle fingers. The index and little fingers raise and curve slightly like teeth.

The Tathagata Fist involves the left hand forming a Lotus Fist. The right hand forms a Vajra Fist. The right Vajra Fist grasps the thumb of the left hand.