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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This Lao Buddha reflects Theravada Buddhism, the original conservative tradition practiced in Southeast Asia depicting the Buddha, by closely following proscribed cannons in ancient texts. Lao sculptural styles resemble those of Northern and Northeastern Thailand where Buddha statues closely reflect the lakshana, the 32 “auspicious marks” or physical traits by which the Buddha can be…
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…
This charming antique Guanyin carving sits in meditation (dhyana mudra), legs in padmasana soles of her upturned feet visible, hands in lap with thumbs lightly touching. Created by provincial artisan as a folk rather than imperial carving to be placed on a personal home altar she has softer and modest facial features and is more…
This superb, colorful and rare carved Buddha is seated in vitarka-mudra, the taching 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.
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…
This lovely 20th century Thai bronze statue is Guanyin, Goddess of Infinite Mercy and Compassion who hears the cries of the oppressed. She sits in meditation (dhyana mudra) hands in the lap holding her sacred vase containing amitra the sacred dew of compassion, healing and immortality that represents humanities’ tears and her the never ending…
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