Context:
In his inaugural speech as the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi referenced the abhaya mudra, a gesture with a raised open palm symbolizing reassurance and freedom from fear. He highlighted that the abhaya mudra is a common motif in the depictions of Lord Shiva, Guru Nanak, and Jesus Christ, and is also significant in Islam, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Relevance:
GS I: History
Dimensions of the Article:
- Mudras in Buddhism
- Gesture of Fearlessness (Abhaya Mudra)
- Other Important Mudras in Buddhism
- Abhaya Mudra in Hindu Religion
Mudras in Buddhism
Definition and Origins
- Definition: In Buddhism, mudras refer to hand and arm gestures used during ritual practices or depicted in images of buddhas, bodhisattvas, and tantric deities.
- Origins: Initially, for about 500 years after the Buddha, his presence was symbolized by a vacant throne or a footprint rather than physical depictions.
Evolution and Early Depictions
- Early Depictions: The first physical depictions of Buddharupa emerged around the turn of the first millennium, notably in Gandhara art influenced by Hellenistic styles and later in Gupta period art in the Gangetic plains.
- Early Mudras: Early buddha images featured key mudras such as the abhaya mudra, bhumisparsha mudra, dharmachakra mudra, and dhyana mudra.
Expansion in Buddhist Iconography
- Mahayana and Vajrayana Influence: With the rise of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, hundreds of new mudras entered Buddhist iconography.
- Tantric Use: In tantric traditions, mudras evolved into dynamic ritual hand movements symbolizing offerings, worship forms, or relationships with deities.
Gesture of Fearlessness (Abhaya Mudra)
Description and Symbolism
- Description: Formed with the right palm outward at shoulder height, fingers pointing up; sometimes index finger touches thumb, other fingers extended upward. Double abhayamudra involves both hands.
- Symbolism: Associated with the Buddha post-Enlightenment, conveying security, serenity, and compassion.
- Mythological Significance: Represents the Buddha taming a mad elephant, demonstrating his ability to grant fearlessness to his followers.
Narrative from Buddhist Legend
- Legend: Devadatta plotted harm against the Buddha using a wild elephant; Buddha calmed the elephant with the abhaya mudra, illustrating protection and refuge.
- Meaning: Also known as the “gesture of protection” or “gesture of granting refuge” in Buddhist tradition.
Other Important Mudras in Buddhism
Dharmachakra Mudra
- Association: Linked with Vairochana, the first Dhyani-Buddha in Tibetan tradition.
- Symbolism: Represents the Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath, known as the turning of the Wheel of Dharma.
- Gesture: Thumb and index fingers of both hands touch to form a circle, symbolizing the union of method (index finger) and wisdom (thumb).
- Metaphysical Meaning: Represents the eternal cycle of teachings and the essence of Buddhist philosophy.
Bhumisparsha Mudra
- Significance: Commemorates the Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
- Literal Meaning: “Earth-touching mudra.”
- Association: Often linked with Akshobhya, a Dhyani-Buddha.
- Gesture: Depicted seated, right hand extended over the knee, touching the earth with all five fingers.
- Symbolism: Invokes the earth goddess as witness to the Buddha’s enlightenment and signifies the triumph over temptation and evil.
Varada Mudra
- Association: Associated with Ratnasambhava, the third Dhyani-Buddha.
- Gesture: Known as the “boon-granting” mudra or dana mudra.
- Depiction: Shown in seated and standing postures, left hand extended downward with palm facing outward.
- Meaning: Symbolizes generosity, compassion, and the granting of wishes.
Dhyana Mudra
- Meaning: “Meditation mudra” associated with Amitabha, the fourth Dhyani-Buddha.
- Gesture: Hands placed in the lap, right hand on top of the left, both palms facing upward.
- Position: Typically used in the seated padmasana (lotus) position.
- Symbolism: Represents concentration, balance, and the meditative state essential to achieving enlightenment.
Abhaya Mudra in Hindu Religion
Assimilation into Hindu Iconography
- Absorption of Buddha: Over time, Hindu depictions incorporated the abhaya mudra into images of deities.
- Buddha as Vishnu Avatar: In Hinduism, the Buddha was assimilated as the ninth avatar of Vishnu between AD 450 and the 6th century CE, as mentioned in the Vishnu Purana.
Cultural Integration
- Historical Context: Reflects cultural exchanges between Buddhist and Hindu traditions in India, influencing religious and artistic practices.
-Source: Indian Express
