In Buddhism, mudras are symbolic hand gestures and finger positions used to express ideas, evoke states of mind, and communicate non-verbally. The word mudra comes from Sanskrit and means “seal” or “sign.” Mudras can be utilized in various contexts, including meditation, rituals, ceremonies, dance, sculpture, and painting. They also complement other healing practices to enhance well-being.

Generally, mudra refers to a hand gesture that symbolically communicates an aspect of the teaching or an aspect of an awakened mind (i.e., fearlessness). They can also be used to enhance certain qualities of meditation. On a deeper level, mudra refers to any symbol of reality. The study of mudras helps one understand Buddhist art.

Different types of symbolic gestures (mudras) are emphasized in different schools of Buddhism. Some of the most common mudras to all the vehicles are:

Mudra of supreme generosity (Skt. varadamudrā)
Mudra of teaching the Dharma (Skt. dharmacakramudrā)
Mudra of fearlessness, of reassurance and safety (Skt. abhayamudra)
Meditation mudra (Skt. dhyānamudrā or samādhimudrā)
Teaching mudra (Skt. Vitarka Mudra)

In the charya dance tradition, each finger represents a different element, so mudras where fingers touch each other are sometimes explained as the combination of different elements. In some practices of Tibetan Buddhism, mudras accompany the chanting of mantras (sacred utterances), a kind of dance of the hands that adds to the power and meaning of the rituals.

Most people who have taken a yoga class have performed the anjali mudra while offering Namaste. Bowing towards each other, with palms joined in front and hands pointed toward the sky, they “honor the divine within you,” communicating with a mudra that humans have used for thousands and thousands of years.

Mudras are symbolic hand gestures that represent essential concepts and teachings of the Buddha, and we can learn to recognize and interpret the meaning of each one.

Practice the embodied act of using symbolic gestures from different traditions and reflect on the meaning of these gestures as you contemplate the feeling of this experience.

• What are some mudras (hand gestures) you see on television or in popular culture, and what do you think people think their meaning is?
• How do hand gestures used in spiritual/ritual practice differ from those used in popular culture?

Demonstrate basic symbolic gestures (mudras) common across Buddhist traditions, and analyze the meaning and purpose of each.