University of California Riverside
CHASS
Wong Endowment
Mudras
Mudras are symbolic hand gestures with special meanings used to define particular aspects in representations of the Buddha. Illustrated here are a selection of some of the more common mudras with their Sanskrit names and brief description. Click each drawing for a larger view and explanation of their significance.
Abhaya Bhumisparsa Varada
Abhaya Mudra
Gesture of fearlessness
Bhumisparsa Mudra
“Earth-touching”
Varada Mudra
Gesture of giving
Namaskara Vitarka Tarjani
Namaskara Mudra
(Also Anjali mudra?)
Gesture of prayer
Vitarka Mudra
Gesture of Debate
Tarjani Mudra
(also Karana mudra)
Warding off evil
Shri Vatsya Dhyana Dharmachakra
Shri Vatsya Mudra
“Supreme Knot”
Dhyana Mudra
(Also Samadhi mudra?)
Dharmachakra Mudra
Teaching the law of the wheel