Buddha Statues are the representation of Buddha himself and is also the symbol of peace, happiness and compassion and is worshiped million of Buddhist followers as well devout in the whole world. Buddha statues in the world can be categorized in number of ways as there are many tradition that have their own styles and tradition of making Buddha statues, such as Buddha statues from various period of Myanmar, or Buddha statues from Thailand etc.
One of the most attractive features that can be found in the Buddha statues are mudra or basically hand gestures and postures. These mudras are the hand positions that Lord Buddha used during his lifetime and are thousand of years old. These Buddha mudras are considered to hold much significance since they are features that explained a lot about the event in the life of the Living Buddha, i.e. Shakyamuni Buddha. There are number of Buddha mudras that occurred during the lifetime of Lord Buddha, and each of them holds different symbolic meanings.
Buddha Statues with Bhumisparsha Mudra
Type of Mudras
There are numbers of Buddha hand postures or mudras and each of them holds their own history and symbolic meanings. They are as follows:
- Abhaya Mudra
Abhaya Mudra is referred as Mudra of No-fear and is believed to represents protection, benevolence, peace and elimination of fears. This mudra was used by Lord Buddha when he subdue a rampaged elephant sent by Ven. Devadatta. After using this mudra, the rampaged Elephant is said to kneel before Lord Buddha due to his benevolence. It is said that worshipping Buddha statue with Abhaya Mudra helps to dispel fear from oneselves. - Bhumisparsha Mudra
Bhumisparsha Mudra is one of the mostly used mudra in the Buddha statues in most of the Buddhist countries. Bhumisparsha Mudra is hand gestures where one hand is rested in the crossed leg and and right hand is depicted touching the earth. It is also knonw as earth witness Buddha. - Dharmachakra Mudra
Dharmachakra Mudra is the mudra representing the Wheel of Dharma while attaining Enlightenment. It depicts one of the important events in the life of Buddha. It was the hand gestures made by Lord Buddha while teaching first sermon in Sarnath. - Dhyana Mudra
Another important Buddha mudras used by Lord Buddha during his meditation. Dhyana Mudra is also the representation of gestures of meditation and concentration of Good Law. In Dhyana Mudra, two hands are placed in the lap while right hand is placed above the left hand. - Varada Mudra
The varada mudra also known as the favorable Mudra is the symbol of offering, charity of giving, sincerity, compassion and welcome. The varada Mudra is mostly used in the Buddha statues made in the Southeast Asia.
Significance of Mudra
Buddha mudras or hand gestures are quite important in the Buddhism. Most of the Buddha statues are made with these various Mudras. Many Buddhist monks and followers of Mahayana Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism follow Buddha statues with Dhyana Mudra for their source of inspiration while meditating. Other Mudras also have their own symbolic meanings for the ordained monks and nuns.
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