Mudra refers to which aspect of buddhism representation

Mudra or Mudras are hand positions often depicted in Buddhist art and used in practice to evoke a particular state of mind. In the Vajrayana school, mudras assume an esoteric significance and are usually combined with mantra recitation and tantric visualization. In the Zen school of Mahayana Buddhism, which is relatively bare of esoteric rituals, two important positions, the dhyani, or meditation mudra formed with the hands held in an oval , and the anjali, or greeting mudra palms held together at chest level , nevertheless remain important elements of daily practice.

The names are given in the original Sanskrit. With the mudra of meditation, the back of the right hand rests on the upturned palm of the other with the tips of the thumbs lightly touching. The top hand symbolizes enlightenment; the bottom hand, the world of appearances.

Thus the mudra as a whole suggests the supremacy of the enlightened mind. Tsong-kha-pa detail , contemporary fresco, Drepung Monastery, Lhasa, Tibet. Courtesy Graham Harrison. Amitabha, 9th century, Candi Borobudur, Central Java. They appear in Buddhist and Hindu images and are also practiced during meditation.

Identifying mudras and understanding their meanings allows the viewer to contextualize the works of art and assign the proper narrative. Abhaya mudra - This mudra, in which the Buddha extends one or both of his palms forward, is a gesture of reassurance and blessing. Some examples of these include:. What is a mudra? It is the symbolic hand gestures displayed in images or statues of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas.

Significant places and features of worship Places of worship Different Buddhist places of worship serve different purposes: Temple — a building allowing many people to come together to learn, meditate, celebrate and offer devotions. A temple will contain a shrine and space for community activities.

Vihara — a monastery for monks or nuns who have devoted themselves to the Buddhist path. Dhyan Mudra. It is also known as Samadhi or Yoga mudra.

It is performed with the help of two hands which are placed on the lap and place the right hand on the left hand with stretched fingers thumbs facing upwards and other fingers of both the hand resting on each other. Bhumisparsa Mudra. It is performed with the help of the right hand, which is held above the right knee, reaching toward the ground with the palm inward while touching the lotus throne. Varada Mudra. This mudra represents the offering, welcome, charity, giving, compassion and sincerity.

It is performed with the help of both the hands in which palm of the right hand facing forward and fingers extended and left-hand palm placed near omphalos with extended fingers. Karana Mudra. This gesture signifies the warding off evil which is performed by raising the index and the little finger and folding the other fingers. It helps in reducing sickness or negative thoughts. Vajra Mudra. This gesture denotes the fiery thunderbolt that symbolizes the five elements, i.