Mudra facts for kids

Rāmabhadrācārya meditating on the banks of the Mandakini River with fingers folded in the chin mudrā.

In Indian religions, a mudra (Sanskrit, literally "seal") is a gesture made with the hand or fingers. Along with asanas (body postures), they are used in yoga. Each mudra has a meaning. They are a central part of Hindu iconography. Mudras are also used in Buddhism. There are hand gestures in both Hindu and Buddhist iconography. An example would be the outward-facing open palm known as Abhay (without fear) mudra, a gesture meant to dispel fear.

Images for kids

A 10th century Chola dynasty bronze sculpture of the Hindu god Nataraja (Shiva) posing various mudras
Indian Buddha Shakyamuni statue making the bhūmisparśa or "earth witness" mudra, c 850
12th-century Japanese scroll showing different mudra gestures
The different yoga mudras involve different parts of the body and correspondingly diverse procedures, generally to retain the vital energy of prana. In Viparita Karani, the body is inverted to allow gravity to retain the bindu. Illustrated manuscript of the Joga Pradipika, 1830
Korea's National Treasure 119. The right hand shows abhayamudra while the left is in the varadamudra.
The Buddha sitting in bhūmisparśa mudrā. Birmany. White marble with traces of polychromy. Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière
Bodhyangi Mudrā
A statue of the Buddha from Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India, 4th century CE. The Buddha is depicted teaching, while making the Dharmacakra Pravartana mudrā.
Reproduction of the Amitābha statue of Phật Tích Temple, Hanoi, demonstrating the dhyāna mudrā
Vajra Mudrā
Vitarka mudrā, Tarim Basin, 9th century
Joseon figure displays the karana mudrā.

Mudra facts for kids

Images for kids

See also