Mudra

A mudra is a symbolic and ritualistic means of communication using hand gestures and finger postures. Associated with Buddhism and Hinduism, mudras simply and easily express to devotees in a recognizable way the nature, function and divine manifestation of deities portrayed. Most Buddhist mudras reflect and remind devotees of major events in the life of Shakyamuni Buddha and are used in representations of enlightened beings such as the Buddha, Guanyin, other Bodhisattvas and Lohans and are also used by monks for meditation and concentration. Starting with the thumb, each finger is identified with one of the five elements: the sky, wind, fire, water, and earth. When fingers touch in a mudra, it is believed they compose a unique combination of these elements creating favorable conditions and generating forces that invoke a deity’s presence at rites and in prayers to secure a desired action or benefit. Thus, mudras induce the deity to be closer to the worshipper. In the practice of yoga, mudras are used to rebalance energy and assist meditation and healing.

Although scores of mudras are used in ceremonies, dance, sculpture and painting, only 5 have a major presence in Shakyamuni Buddha images:

1. Dharmachakra: recalling the Buddha’s first teaching of the Dharma.
2. Dhyana: meditation and the attainment of spiritual perfection.
3. Bhumisparsha: Buddha’s enlightenment under the bodhi tree.
4. Varada: charity, compassion and boon-granting.
5. Abhaya: fearlessness, protection and the dispelling of fear.

For an excellent explanation of mudras see Exotic India, “Mudras of the Great Buddha Symbolic Gestures and Postures”, https://web.stanford.edu/class/history11sc/pdfs/mudras.pdf

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  • Antique Carved Buddha in Freedom from Fear, Laos (3148LKE) $1275

    $1,275.00
    H: 20”  W: 3.75”  D: 3.75” | CALL 213-568-3030 FOR SHIPPING

    This antique Lao Buddha stands in refined dignity displaying inner tranquility and strength, hands in abhaya mudra that connotes reassurance, divine protection, and dispelling fear and signifies Buddha’s spiritual power as he bestows protection from evil and ignorance and conveys “fear not” to devotees.  As typical of Lao Buddhas he is covered in gilt visually reflecting his golden skin and a finial or radiance as a flame emerging from atop his head. His  wet style Buddha robe that is smooth and graceful in its simplicity and adds elegance to the carving while showing his body underneath his clothing.

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  • Antique Guanyin in Royal Ease (Lalitsana), China, (16910BOE) $515 SPECIAL PRICE

    $525.00

    During the Ming and Qing dynasties, artists created small scale icons of Bodhisattva Guanyin and other deities for private use on a home altar and in local temples and shrines. While more sanctioned images and those made for wealthier devotees were created in porcelain, jade, bronze and ivory, those created for Popular Folk Religion, Taoist…

  • ANTIQUE GUANYIN ON ELABORATE LOTUS THRONE, CHINA (19536BKE) $695 SPECIAL PRICE

    $695.00
    H: 14.5” W: 5.5” D: 4.25” | FREE SHIPPING within continental u.s.!

    Guanyin’s elegance, compassion and serenity are emphasized in this graceful antique provincial carving. Portrayed in meditation with flowing robes on a majestic three-tiered lotus throne she was designed for personal veneration in a home setting.

  • Antique Large Buddha in Teaching Mudra, China (17013BREM) CALL FOR PRICE

    $0.00
    H: 30″  W: 18″  D: 10″ | CALL 213-568-3030 FOR SHIPPING AND PRICE INFORMATION

    This superb, colorful and rare carved Buddha is seated in vitarka-mudra, the teaching hand position. His delicately carved calm face has a benevolent and compassionate expression with a slight reassuring smile. The elegant body appears to float above deeply carved swirls reminiscent of clouds. Fine facial features, the graceful body and exquisitely carved and painted drapery make this a truly impressive and striking image. Given its size and masterful carving , it should hold a place and be revered commensurate with its spirituality and artistry.

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  • Antique Repoussé Earth Witnessing Buddha, Tibetan (0001LEM) $595

    $595.00

    This Tibetan Repoussé image presents various symbols of the Enlightenment of the Shakyamuni-Buddha. He sits within a trefoil arch on a lotus base  (padmapitha) under the bodhi tree in bhumisparsha mudra (earth witnessing or hand touching position) symbolizing the moment of his enlightenment legs bent in (padmasana). The detailed trefoil arch surrounding the Buddha’s head…

  • Bronze Guanyin in Meditation, Thailand (11250BKE) $485 SPECIAL PRICE

    $485.00
    H: 19.5”  W: 9.375”  D: 9” | CALL 213-568-3030 FOR SHIPPING

    This lovely 20th century Thai bronze statue is the White Clad Guanyin seated in meditation with her hands in her lap holding her vial of precious dew with her legs covered by her robes which flow to the top of the finely rendered multi-tiered lotus throne. Her open hood is centered by a mandorla surrounding an image of Buddha Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light, her spiritual teacher. She is a vision of compassionate serenity with her half closed eyes and benevolent smile.

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