Abhaya Mudra

Abhaya Mudra

Sub : History

Sec : Art and Culture

Context: In his first speech as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi talked about the abhaya mudra. This is a gesture where the hand is raised with an open palm, symbolizing reassurance and freedom from fear.

• He mentioned that this gesture is commonly seen in depictions of Lord Shiva, Guru Nanak, and Jesus Christ, and is also found in Islam, Buddhism, and Jainism.

About Abhaya Mudra

The Abhaya Mudra is a gesture where the hand is open and facing outward, often seen as a signal to stop.

It’s known as the “fearlessness gesture,” derived from the Sanskrit word “abhaya,” meaning fearlessness.

Symbolically, it represents protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear. In yoga, it’s believed to foster courage and reduce fear and anxiety.

This gesture is prevalent in many South Asian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It holds particular significance in Thailand and Laos, often associated with depictions of the walking Buddha.

According to a Stanford University newsletter, the open palm gesture likely originated as a natural sign of good intentions, used since prehistoric times to propose friendship or peace.

In ancient times, it also symbolises power, such as the “magna manus” of Roman Emperors, who used the gesture to both legislate and grant peace.

The gesture appears to have evolved from a universal form of human communication, eventually becoming integrated into major South Asian religions.

Religious significance in Buddhism

• According to legend, there was a moment when Devadatta, Buddha’s jealous cousin, attempted to kill him by releasing a rampaging elephant.
• In response, Buddha calmly displayed the Abhaya Mudra, an open-palm gesture. 
• This gesture instantly pacified the elephant, demonstrating Buddha’s ability to calm not only the animal but also to dispel fear itself.
• Thus, the Abhaya Mudra in Buddhism symbolises both the calming of the senses and the absence of fear, illustrating Buddha’s teachings on fearlessness and inner peace.

Some other Mudras

In Buddhism, there are five primary mudras, each carrying deep symbolic meaning:

Abhaya Mudra: This mudra is associated with Amoghasiddhi, the fifth Dhyani-Buddha. It symbolises peace, reassurance, and protection. The gesture is performed with either the right hand or both hands, fingers outstretched, palms facing the viewer.

Dharmachakra Mudra: Linked to Vairochana, the first Dhyani-Buddha, this mudra signifies the moment when Buddha delivered his first sermon after Enlightenment. It forms a circle with the thumb and index finger touching, representing the Wheel of Dharma. The remaining fingers are extended.

Bhumisparsha Mudra: Also known as the “earth touching mudra,” it symbolises Buddha’s enlightenment under the bodhi tree. Associated with Akshobhya, this mudra shows the seated Buddha touching the earth with his right hand, fingers extended downward.

Varada Mudra: Associated with Ratnasambhava, the third Dhyani-Buddha, this mudra is known as the “boon-granting” gesture. It is performed with the left hand, palm facing outward and downward, symbolising generosity and compassion.

Dhyana Mudra: Meaning “meditation,” this mudra is associated with Amitabha, the fourth Dhyani-Buddha. It is performed in a seated meditation posture (padmasana), with both hands resting on the lap or thigh, palms facing upward, and right hand over the left, fingers fully extended.

These mudras play significant roles in Buddhist iconography, representing different aspects of Buddha’s teachings and spiritual qualities.