Buddha Mudras

Bhumisparsha Mudra: In the Bhumisparsha mudra or gesture, Buddha calls upon the Earth to witness his claim to be known as "The Enlightened One." He points towards the earth with his right hand and in response Bhu Devi, the Earth Goddess, lets flow a stream of sacred water at Buddha's feet. Each drop of water symbolizes an act of merit performed by Buddha in his previous incarnations on earth. The robes of the Buddha feature details of the life of Gautama on his path to becoming the Enlightened One.

Representations of the "Three Great Sights", episodes from the Jataka Tales, in which incarnations of the Buddha appear in animal form, and characters from Buddhist iconography, including demons and angels on clouds are seen.

Crucial scenes from Buddha's life such as his first sermon at Sarnath, where he shared his philosophy of the Eight Fold Path to salvation, are shown on the robes of the Buddha Bhumisparsha Life Story.

Buddha Bhumisparsha Ashthamangal: In the Bhumisparsha mudra or gesture, Buddha calls upon the Earth to witness his claim to be known as "The Enlightened One." He points towards the earth with his right hand and in response Bhu Devi, the Earth Goddess, lets flow a stream of sacred water at Buddha's feet. Each drop of water symbolizes an act of merit performed by Buddha in his previous incarnations on earth. The eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism - the Conch Shell, Endless Knot, Fly Whisk, Lotus Blossom, Parasol, Twin Fish, Water Vase and Wheel of Dharma are inscribed on the body of Buddha. Each of these symbols represents an aspect of the life and philosophy of Buddha's teachings. The ushnisha or knot of hair on top of Buddha's head is considered a sign of his spiritual wisdom. The Buddha's left hand is placed on his lap with the palm upwards in the varada mudra symbolizing the bestowal of a gift. The vessel in his open palm symbolizes the gift of Buddha's spiritual message to the world.

Medicine Buddha Life Story: The Medicine Buddha holds a branch of the Myrobalan plant (Terminalia chebula), in his right hand. This plant is used in traditional Tibetan medicine to cure illnesses of the body and mind.

The left hand rests on his lap with the palm upwards in the mudra or gesture of bestowing a gift, symbolized by the pot with medicinal leaves. Buddha is believed to have given gifts of knowledge such as medicine as well as spiritual inspiration and guidance to his disciples. The robes of the Buddha feature details of the life of Gautama on his path to becoming the Enlightened One. Representations of the "Three Great Sights", episodes from the Jataka

Tales, in which incarnations of the Buddha appear in animal form, and characters from Buddhist iconography, including demons and angels on clouds are seen. Crucial scenes from Buddha's life such as his first sermon at Sarnath, where he shared his philosophy of the Eight Fold Path to salvation, are shown on the robes of the Medicine Buddha Life Story.

Meditating Buddha: The meditating Buddha symbolizes serenity and wisdom. Buddha is seated in padmasana, or the lotus posture, with both his hands placed in his lap in a gesture of dhyana or meditation. The pot symbolizes the Dharma or the teachings of the Buddha, which he offers to the world. The expression on his face is calm and the eyelids are contemplatively lowered. Buddha's teachings explain that desire is at the root of all suffering. Freeing the mind from desire will liberate the soul from the cycle of rebirth and enable a person to attain Nirvana or salvation.

• Gautama Buddha: Gautama Buddha was one of the greatest religious teachers that the world has seen. Learn more about his life and attainment of Bodhi.
• Buddhist Scriptures and Teachings: Buddhist scriptures carry the noble teachings of the Buddha. They explore and teach ways to lead a blissful life.
• Buddha in Arts and Culture: Spread of Buddhism influenced the world of art in a remarkable way. Starting from sculptures to paintings, Buddhism gave rise to distinct Schools of art.
• Buddha Mudras: Buddha mudras are specific gestures of the Buddha that have symbolic meanings.
• Buddhist Pantheon: The various deities of the Buddhist pantheon are represented through sculptures and other artistic medium to convey different spiritual messages.