Abhay Mudra is a gesture commonly seen in Hindu and Buddhist iconography, representing reassurance, protection, and fearlessness. In simple terms, Abhay Mudra is a hand gesture where the right hand is held up, palm facing outward, fingers extended and close together. The gesture signifies peace and fearlessness, indicating that one should not be afraid. It is often associated with deities and enlightened beings in religious art, symbolizing their ability to dispel fear and grant protection to their devotees. The term “Abhay” itself translates to “fearless” in Sanskrit, emphasizing the gesture’s role in calming and reassuring those who see it.
Tags: GS-1, Art & culture- Indian Literature- Buddhism
For Prelims: Origin of Buddhism, Mudras, Principles of Buddhism, Sandalwood.
For Mains: Significance of Buddhism, Indian Literature, Spread of Buddhism in Ancient India.
Context:
- Rahul Gandhi, in his inaugural speech as Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, highlighted the significance of the abhaya mudra—a gesture symbolising reassurance and fearlessness with a raised open palm.
- He noted its presence in depictions of Lord Shiva, Guru Nanak, Jesus Christ, as well as its relevance in Islam, Buddhism, and Jainism.
About the Abhaya Mudra:
- The Abhaya Mudra derives its significance from the Sanskrit word “Abhaya,” meaning fearlessness.
- This mudra symbolises safety, tranquillity, and the dispelling of fear.
- In its form, the right hand is raised to shoulder height with the arm bent, palm facing outward, and fingers linked and erect.
- Contrastingly, the left hand hangs relaxed at the side of the body.
- Popular in Thailand and Laos, the Abhaya Mudra is closely associated with depictions of the walking Buddha, also known as the Buddha placing his footprint.
- This gesture, seemingly natural in appearance, likely originated as a symbol of good intentions from ancient times, signifying friendship or peace through the gesture of an unarmed hand.
- Beyond its symbolic peace gesture, the Abhaya Mudra historically held political connotations, akin to the Magna manus of Roman Emperors who wielded legislative power while bestowing peace simultaneously.
- This duality of symbolism underscores the mudra’s profound cultural and historical significance across different contexts
Legend of Abhaya Mudra:
- The legend of the Abhaya Mudra recounts a pivotal moment involving Devadatta, Buddha’s jealous cousin who sowed discord among the Buddha’s followers out of envy.
- As Devadatta’s ambition escalated, he devised a plan to assassinate the Buddha by unleashing a raging elephant on his path.
- When the elephant charged towards Buddha, threatening chaos and fear, Buddha calmly raised his right hand in the Abhaya Mudra.
- This gesture of fearlessness not only pacified the elephant instantly but also exemplified the removal of terror and the restoration of peace and tranquillity.
Abhaya Mudra other features across different cultural and artistic context:
- In Gandhara art, it was often depicted to symbolise Buddha’s preaching activities, underscoring its role in conveying teachings of peace and enlightenment.
- Similarly, in Chinese Buddhist representations during the Wei and Sui dynasties (4th to 7th centuries), the Abhaya Mudra gained prominence as a symbol of spiritual fearlessness and protection.
- Amoghasiddhi, the fifth Dhyani Buddha in the Buddhist pantheon, is depicted using the Abhaya Mudra.
- Known as the Lord of Karma, Amoghasiddhi aids followers in overcoming jealousy and attaining wisdom.
- By meditating on Amoghasiddhi, practitioners transform envy into the realisation of personal accomplishment
Abhaya mudra in Hindu religion:
- The Abhaya mudra, which originally symbolises fearlessness and protection in Buddhism, did indeed become adopted in Hindu iconography over time.
- In Hinduism, it is often depicted in the hands of various deities, including Buddha (recognized as an avatar of Vishnu), Shiva, Vishnu, and Ganesh.
- This mudra signifies the assurance of divine protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear, aligning with the principles of safety and benevolence revered across different spiritual traditions in India.
Others mudras in Buddhism:
- Dharmachakra Mudra:
- The Dharmachakra mudra symbolises Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath, marking the start of his teachings.
- It forms a circle with the thumb and index fingers touching, representing the Wheel of Dharma.
- The extended fingers of the right hand represent the three vehicles of Buddha’s teachings, while the left hand’s fingers symbolise the Three Jewels of Buddhism.
- It is associated with Vairochana, who transforms ignorance into wisdom.
- Bhumisparsha Mudra:
- Bhumisparsha, or the ‘earth witness’ mudra, commemorates Buddha’s enlightenment under the bodhi tree.
- The right hand touches the ground, calling upon the earth goddess to bear witness to his attainment.
- This mudra signifies the union of method and wisdom and is associated with Akshobhya, transforming anger into mirror-like wisdom.
- Varada Mudra:
- The Varada mudra symbolises compassion and charity.
- It is typically displayed with the left hand hanging naturally at the side, palm facing forward and fingers extended.
- Each finger represents one of the five perfections: generosity, morality, patience, effort, and meditative concentration.
- Ratnasambhava displays this mudra, transforming pride into wisdom.
- Dhyana Mudra:
- The Dhyana mudra, or meditation mudra, signifies concentration on the teachings of Buddhism.
- Hands may rest on the thighs or in the lap, with the palms facing upwards and the thumbs touching to form a mystic triangle symbolising the Three Jewels of Buddhism.
- Amitabha embodies this mudra, aiding in the transformation of attachment into discernment.
- Vajra Mudra:
- The Vajra mudra symbolises the indestructible diamond thunderbolt, representing the five elements—air, water, fire, earth, and metal.
- It is formed by enclosing the erect forefinger of the left hand in the right fist, with the tips of the forefingers touching.
- Vitarka Mudra:
- The Vitarka mudra, or gesture of discussion, symbolises the transmission of Buddhist teachings.
- It is made by joining the tips of the thumb and the index finger, while keeping the other fingers straight, similar to Abhaya and Varada mudras, but with the thumbs touching the index fingers.
- Jñāna Mudra:
- The Jñāna mudra, or mudra of wisdom, is formed by touching the tips of the thumb and the index finger to form a circle, with the palm facing inward toward the heart. It represents spiritual enlightenment and the union of wisdom and method.
- Karana Mudra:
- The Karana mudra expels demons and removes obstacles such as sickness or negative thoughts.
- It is made by raising the index and little fingers and folding the other fingers.
- This mudra is also known as tarjanī mudrā.
- Uttarabodhi Mudra:
- The Uttarabodhi mudra symbolises supreme enlightenment through connecting oneself with divine universal energy.
- It is performed with both hands placed at the heart, index fingers touching and pointing upwards, and remaining fingers intertwined.
- Anjali Mudra:
- The Anjali mudra, also known as Namaskara or Hridayanjali mudra, represents greeting, prayer, and adoration.
- It is performed by pressing the palms together at the heart chakra, with thumbs lightly touching the sternum.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q:1 Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolises (2012)
- Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation
- Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara
- Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory
- Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context
Ans: (b)
Conclusion :
Hence, the Abhaya Mudra symbolises fearlessness and goodwill, with meanings that vary across cultures and times. In some depictions, especially when using only the left hand, it represents a gesture to prevent family disputes. Legend has it that the Buddha used this mudra to resolve a conflict over water rights among relatives, highlighting its role in promoting peace and resolving conflicts peacefully.
Source: IE
FAQs
Q: What is Abhay Mudra?
Answer: Abhay Mudra is a hand gesture commonly used in various cultures and religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism. It is characterized by raising the right hand with the palm facing outward and fingers pointing upwards. The gesture signifies protection, reassurance, and fearlessness.
Q: What does Abhay Mudra symbolize?
Answer: Abhay Mudra symbolizes fearlessness and protection. By making this gesture, individuals show a gesture of peace and assurance, indicating that they come in peace and mean no harm.
Q: When is Abhay Mudra used?
Answer: Abhay Mudra is used in various contexts:
- In religious rituals and ceremonies to invoke blessings and protection.
- In statues and depictions of deities and spiritual figures to convey their protective and benevolent nature.
- In meditation practices to cultivate a sense of fearlessness and inner peace.
Q: How is Abhay Mudra different from other hand gestures?
Answer: Abhay Mudra is distinct from other hand gestures like Namaste (palms pressed together) or Varada Mudra (palm facing outward with fingers pointing down). While Namaste signifies greeting and respect, Abhay Mudra specifically conveys fearlessness and protection.
Q: Can anyone use Abhay Mudra?
Answer: Yes, anyone can use Abhay Mudra. It is a simple and universally understood gesture that communicates peace and non-aggression. Whether in spiritual practices, cultural settings, or personal meditation, the Abhay Mudra can be adopted to express a sense of calm and assurance.
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