Tuesday, March 3, 2015

The Abhaya Mudra

Abhaya means fearlessness, and the abhaya mudra symbolizes the blessing of protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear. The gesture is made with the hand raised to shoulder height, arm bent, and palm facing outward. The Buddha may be sitting, standing or walking and sometimes both hands are used in this mudra.

The mudra is often depicted in temple art and frescoes showing the Buddha calming the enraged elephant Nalagiri. It is also used on the popular images of the Thai Walking Buddha images indicating the Buddha going out to bless and protect all.


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