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 Mudra Gesture of fearlessness Bhumisparsa Mudra “Earth-touching” Varada Mudra Gesture of giving Namaskara Mudra (Also Anjali mudra?) Gesture of prayer Vitarka Mudra Gesture of Debate Tarjani Mudra (also Karana mudra) Warding off evil Shri Vatsya Mudra “Supreme Knot” Dhyana Mudra (Also Samadhi mudra?) Dharmachakra Mudra Teaching the law of the wheel