Buddha Jayanti

The ninth avatar of Lord Vishnu, Lord Buddha, was born on the full moon day in 563 BC as Prince Sidharth Guatama. Buddha Jayanti marks the celebration of the birth of Lord Buddha. It is also known as Buddha Purnima or Vesak. Hindus and Buddhists across the world commemorate this festival in Nepal, India, Bhutan, Thailand, China, Korea and many others. Buddhists consider Buddha Jayanti as one of the most sacred events honouring Gautam Buddha. 

In general, the meaning of Buddha is the ‘awakened’. It means someone who has just awakened from their sleep of ignorance. It holds meaning about someone who has knowledge about the past, present and future. This individual does not have any mental obstructions. Undoubtedly, the teachings of Lord Buddha with subsequent meditation and divine images made the beings experience mental peace. Among these were the buddha mudra. 

But, before knowing the different types of mudra, let us tell you what is mudra? 

(Image will be Uploaded soon)

Buddha Mudra - What Is Mudra? 

Derived from the Sanskrit language, Mudra in literary terms means sign. Most often, when you look at the pictures of the Buddha statues, you find varied buddha hand symbols in all. These hand symbols are called buddha mudra. On the deeper levels, Mudras hold spiritual significance. It is just about representing a symbol having great meaning attached to it. 

As a reminder of spirituality, buddha mudra and imagery can be placed in your home. Lord Buddha usually represents the goodness that every being possesses and the true happiness they behold. To take this representation further, you can opt for a special deity having different types of mudra. 

To help you gain insights into it, let us help you understand the different types of mudra.

Buddha Hand Mudra: Their Types

Dhyana: Meditation Mudra

The most common buddha hand mudra is the meditation mudra, also called Dhyana. In this position, the Gautam buddha hand are placed with the right hand on top of the left one. The palms face upward, and thumbs are in slight contact with each other. The thumbs touch each other, acting as a symbol of union and enlightenment of the masculine and feminine body of soul and mind. The best position for this mudra is in the region where you meditate at your home or even outside. 

Bhumisparsha: Earth Touching Mudra

Also known as the earth touching mudra, this buddha hand symbol meaning is that the person touches the earth to awaken their soul. In this mudra, Shakyamuni is seated in an upright position with the right hand being poised towards the earth, and the palm faces inwards while the left hand is placed in the meditation position. The best placement of this buddha is somewhere near the ground or earth. It can be anywhere in the reaches of your home. Another recommended spot is the centre of your home, as it is often connected with the earth. 

Vitraka: Discussion or Teaching Mudra

This mudra is used to symbolise the transfer of knowledge about the teachings of dharma and the true teachings provided by Buddha. In the buddha hand symbol, the index finger touches the thumb, creating a circle that thereby symbolises the uninterrupted wisdom flow. The remaining three fingers are pointed upwards, and the palm is faced in the outward direction. The arms are usually placed at chest level. The best position of this mudra is in places such as your study room, library and the knowledge zone of your home. This is mostly because this mudra invites several teachings or reciting. 

Abhaya: Fearless Mudra

This mudra symbolises protection and fearlessness. In this type of mudra, the left hand of the statue is the meditation position. The right hand in this mudra is in the upright position with the palm facing upward. 

All the fingers point towards the upward direction, and the right hand is placed at shoulder level. Since this mudra symbolises fierce compassion, this mudra should be placed in locations where you need to strengthen your boundaries. These are in relation to the earth elements, thereby inviting fearlessness. 

Dharmachakra: Dharma Wheel Mudra

The word Dharmachakra refers to the turning of wheels for the teachings and how these are carried inside the world. This mudra involves using both hands. The right index finger touches the right thumb. While the left index finger touches the left circle thumb, the creation of two circles takes place. 

The left palm faces inwards in front of the right palm, which is faced outwards. The typical placement of mudra is in front of the heart. Lord Buddha used this placement when he first got to know about enlightenment. The rotation of the wheel represents transition and movement.