GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Mudras are specific hand gestures characteristic of buddhas and bodhisattvas that symbolize various meanings. They appear in Buddhist and Hindu images and are also practiced during meditation.
The historical Buddha’s various mudras can refer to specific times in his life, activities, or characteristics. Identifying mudras and understanding their meanings allows the viewer to contextualize the works of art and assign the proper narrative.
It is important to note that the mudras of the Buddha found in Southeast Asian representations don’t always carry the same meaning as those in Indian art.
- Abhaya mudra - This mudra, in which the Buddha extends one or both of his palms forward, is a gesture of reassurance and blessing. It is meant to provide calm and dispel fear in the viewer. This is the gesture of the Dallas Museum of Art’s Buddha Sakyamuni [2006.21].
- Bhumisparsha mudra - This mudra, in which the Buddha’s right hand is pointing down towards the earth, is also known as the earth-touching mudra. Here the Buddha is calling the earth to witness as he is tempted and threatened by Mara, a demon of ignorance. This gesture initiates the Earth Goddess’s appearance and aid in the destruction of Mara and his armies. [1998.65]
- Dhyana mudra - In this particular mudra the Buddha’s hands are placed in his lap, palms up. This gesture indicates absolute balance and the Buddha’s meditative state.
- Vitarka mudra - The thumb and forefinger of the hand are brought together to create this gesture, which signifies discussion, teaching, and intellectual argument. The circle formed by the joining of the fingers represents the wheel of law (dharma).
- Dharmacakra mudra - In this common gesture, the Buddha intertwines both hands before his chest, joining thumbs and index fingers. This symbolizes the turning of the wheel of law (dharma) and his first sermon after achieving enlightenment.
Adapted from
Lesovsky, A., DMA unpublished material, May 3, 2013.
NOTES
1998.65
2005.28
2006.21
Dr. Bromberg has expressed that she is uncomfortable with the way this is phrased - awaiting edits.
ASSOCIATED CONTENT CHUNKS (list applicable note links)
AUDIO ASSETS
VIDEO ASSETS
IMAGE ASSETS
WEB RESOURCES
- Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History~Learn more about how mudras function in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain visual arts.
ARCHIVAL RESOURCES (digitized/non-digitized)
FUN FACTS
TEACHING IDEAS
RULES
set operator as or
apply to objects where title contains mudra
apply to objects where description contains mudra
apply to objects where public_notes contains mudra
apply to content where content contains mudra
Category
rules_operator
OR
General Description
Mudras are specific hand gestures characteristic of buddhas and bodhisattvas that symbolize various meanings. They appear in Buddhist and Hindu images and are also practiced during meditation.
The historical Buddha’s various mudras can refer to specific times in his life, activities, or characteristics. Identifying mudras and understanding their meanings allows the viewer to contextualize the works of art and assign the proper narrative.
It is important to note that the mudras of the Buddha found in Southeast Asian representations don’t always carry the same meaning as those in Indian art.
- Abhaya mudra - This mudra, in which the Buddha extends one or both of his palms forward, is a gesture of reassurance and blessing. It is meant to provide calm and dispel fear in the viewer. This is the gesture of the Dallas Museum of Art’s Buddha Sakyamuni [2006.21].
- Bhumisparsha mudra - This mudra, in which the Buddha’s right hand is pointing down towards the earth, is also known as the earth-touching mudra. Here the Buddha is calling the earth to witness as he is tempted and threatened by Mara, a demon of ignorance. This gesture initiates the Earth Goddess’s appearance and aid in the destruction of Mara and his armies. [1998.65]
- Dhyana mudra - In this particular mudra the Buddha’s hands are placed in his lap, palms up. This gesture indicates absolute balance and the Buddha’s meditative state.
- Vitarka mudra - The thumb and forefinger of the hand are brought together to create this gesture, which signifies discussion, teaching, and intellectual argument. The circle formed by the joining of the fingers represents the wheel of law (dharma).
- Dharmacakra mudra - In this common gesture, the Buddha intertwines both hands before his chest, joining thumbs and index fingers. This symbolizes the turning of the wheel of law (dharma) and his first sermon after achieving enlightenment.
Adapted from
Lesovsky, A., DMA unpublished material, May 3, 2013.
Fun Facts
Archival Resources
(digitized/non-digitized)
Web Resources
- Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History~Learn more about how mudras function in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain visual arts.
Notes
1998.65
2005.28
2006.21
Dr. Bromberg has expressed that she is uncomfortable with the way this is phrased - awaiting edits.
rules
Apply To
Objects
title
Contains
mudra
Apply To
Objects
description
Contains
mudra
Apply To
Objects
public_notes
Contains
mudra
Apply To
Content
content
Contains
mudra
source file
cultures_and_traditions-0091.xml.nores