In short: mudras are hand gestures in Buddhist art and practice. The most common are: dhyana (meditation), bhumisparsha (earth-touching), abhaya (fearlessness), varada (giving), vitarka (teaching) and dharmachakra (turning the wheel of dharma).
Common mudras
- Dhyana (meditation): hands in the lap, right over left, palms up.
- Bhumisparsha (earth-touching): right hand reaches down to touch the earth, calling it to witness the awakening. See the Buddha's awakening.
- Abhaya (fearlessness): raised right hand, palm out: "do not fear".
- Varada (giving): lowered open palm: generosity.
- Vitarka (teaching): thumb and finger touching: discussion of the teaching.
- Dharmachakra: both hands before the chest: turning the wheel of dharma. See the first sermon.
In your own practice
The resting posture for meditation: how to meditate on a chair · zazen for beginners.
More: Buddhist holidays 2027 · Buddhist symbols · Buddha poses
Questions people ask
What is a mudra?
A symbolic hand gesture used in Buddhist art and practice. Each mudra expresses a quality or a moment in the Buddha's life.
What does the earth-touching mudra mean?
The Buddha touching the ground with his right hand calls the earth to witness his awakening (bhumisparsha).
Which mudra is used for meditation?
The dhyana mudra: hands resting in the lap, right over left, palms up, sometimes with thumbs touching.