Buddha Mudras

Akshobhya: The Buddhists always believed in a multiplicity of enlightened sages or ‘Buddhas’, either existing before the time of Sakyamuni or in the future. However, in the first centuries of the Christina era a notion came into being that widened the Buddhist pantheon. The co-existence of many Buddhas in different parts of the universe came to be regarded as possible. These Buddhas were called the ‘Jinas’ or ‘winners’. These cosmic Buddhas were modeled in the figure of Sakyamuni, often shown in the act of touching the earth with his right hand calling her to witness his imperviousness to the attack of Mara.

The cosmic Buddha depicted in this posture is called Akshobhaya or imperturbable. The Schools of the ‘Vajra Vehicle’ equipped Akshobhya with their emblem – the Vajra or thunderbolt scepter of Indra, the Lord of the Indian Gods. This concept of the Vajra was borrowed from Hinduism and symbolizes diamond like perfection and indestructibility of the Buddha doctrine.

Bhaishajya Guru: Bhaishajya Raja, the ‘lord of the Medicaments' was one of important Bodhisattvas mentioned in the text of 'The lotus of the true Doctrine'. It is believed that the figure Bhaishajya Guru (Master of Medicaments) evolved from here. Bhaishajya Guru is shown in the act of offering with the right hand the fruit of elliptical shape of the myrabolan, a medicinal plant. The palm of the Buddha's left hand holds small bowl containing medicinal plants, while a vajra rests on the surface of the huge water lily on which he sits, aligned with his eyes rapt in deep meditation. The iconography of the image relates to Buddhist guru, Sakyamuni, whose doctrine heals from psycho-somatic suffering.

Vajrasattva: Vajrasattva can be related to Vajrapani (Vajra-in-hand) a deity in Hinduism. The statue shows Vajrasattva - bodhisattva holding a vajra placed vertically on the palm of the right hand and a bell in the left. In the Buddhist school 'vajra' symbolizes 'means' understood, as the male element required for attaining the awakening or enlightenment while the bell is interpreted as the female element that represents wisdom or emptiness.

Bhumisparsha Mudra: In the Bhumisparsha mudra or gesture, Buddha calls upon the Earth to witness his claim to be known as Buddha Vajrasattva "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.

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.

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 Meditating Buddha 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.

• Gautama Buddha
• Buddhist Scriptures and Teachings
• Buddha in Arts and Culture
• Centers of Buddhist Art