Hand Mudras - Symbols of Deeper Meaning

The symbolic gestures of the hands of Buddha images, called mudras, are picture tools of identification of deeper meaning:

Dharmachaka Mudra

The Gesture of Teaching (Dharmacakra Mudra) with both hands in front of the breast, tips of the index finger and the thumps touching.

Varada Mudra

The Gesture of Teaching (Dharmacakra Mudra) with both hands in front of the breast, tips of the index finger and the thumps touching.

Varada Mudra

The Gift bestowing Gesture of Compassion (Varada Mudra) the right hand pendant with the palm turned outwards.

Dhyana Mudra

The Gesture of Meditation (Samadhi Mudra) with both hands resting on the lap, palms upwards.

Abhaya Mudra

The Gesture of Fearlessness (Abhaya Mudra) the right hand slightly elevated, the palm turned outwards, also called the Gesture of Renunciation.

Vitarka Mudra

The Gesture of Debate explaining the Buddha’s teachings (Vitaka Mudra) with the hands raised and the tips of the forefingers and the thumbs touch each other.

Tarjani Mudra

The Gesture Warding off Evil (Tarjani Mudra) with forefinger and little finger outstretched.

Namaskara Mudra

The Gesture of Prayer (Namaskara Mudra) with the palms folded together.

 

Buddhashramana Mudra

The Gesture Beyond Misery (Buddha-Shramana Mudra) also called an ascetic’s Gesture of Renunciation.

BhutadaMara Mudra

The Gesture of Warding off Evil (Bhutadamara Mudra) this is a protection gesture.