Mudra is a Sanskrit word for hand gesture and finger postures. These are more of non verbal modes of communication and self expression, consisting of hand and finger actions.
Mudras are effective ways to evoke mind ideas symbolising divine powers or the deities themselves. These are external expressions of “Internal voice “making non verbal communications more powerful than the spoken word.
Mudras are always been the part of Hinduism and Buddhism religion.
In India, mudras are also part of many classical dance forms. Dancers mainly in spiritual dance performances have mudras to show various emotions and expressions like anger, happiness, love, affection or harm etc.
Buddha and His Mudras
In Buddhism, Gautama Buddha’s paintings, sculptures, and statues have depicted them with different mudras defining divine manifestation.
Till today, Mudras are used by the monks and spiritual practitioners in their ritual meditation and concentration.
Here are some mudras of Lord Buddha that made him reach the magical art of attaining control over the invisible forces , inside and outside, on this earthly sphere.
(1) Dhyan Mudra:
Also called “Padmasana” (lotus pose) .It is the prominent gesture of meditation. Sometimes called as “Samadhi “Mudra as well. In this Mudra, the palms of both the hands rest on the lap facing upwards. Also the legs are crossed with the soles of both feet facing them.
Also in this Mudra, the hands and fingers form a triangle shape which represents the spiritual fire of the Triratna.
This mudra promotes the energy of meditation, deep contemplation and unity of thoughts.
Where to place it in House?
You can place the Dhyan Mudra Buddha statue in the meditation room ,or center of home or your study area.
(2)Buddha – Vitarka Mudra:
Vitarka is the mudra for teaching and discussion. This mudra is used while teaching, giving principles and preaching of Buddhism.
The mudra is represented by joining the tips of the right hand thumb forming a circle depicting continuous flow of energy and the index fingers together and other fingers are kept straight.
The left hand is kept at the lap with the palm facing upwards.
Where to place it in House ?
Best location to place the Vitarka Mudra is the Library or Study area in Home or Office.
(3)Buddha – Bhumisparsha Mudra :
Bhumisparsha Mudra is the mudra for “Touching the Earth “ or “Calling the earth to witness the truth “.The right hand touches the Earth while the left hand is on the lap with palm facing outwards.(Varada Mudra).
It is said that when Buddha achieved enlightenment , he used this mudra.This mudra represents the unshaken strength and truth of his commitment to liberation , which helped him overcome the darkness (Mara) challenging him right before he entered into the light.
Where to place it in House ?
Placing a Bhumisparsha Mudra Buddha at the center of your home ,or main entrance is a feasible and beneficial location.