Name
|
Description
|
Gesture of...
|
Abhaya
|
One hand, palm facing outward, fingers extended upwards, arm elevated and slightly bent
|
Gesture of Protection
|
Vitarka
|
Right hand, tips of thumb and index finger touch to form a circle, all other fingers extended upwards
|
Gesture of Argument
|
Bhumisparsha
|
Right arm hangs down over right knee, palm turned inward, fingers extended downward, finger touching lotus throne
|
Gesture of Witness
|
Varada
|
One arm extended down with palm facing outwards
|
Gesture of Charity
|
Shramanamudra
|
Right hand points downward away from the body
|
Gesture of Ascetic
|
Cincihna
|
Right hand, thumb and index finger grasp a fine object as a grain of truth
|
Gesture of Understanding
|
Tarjana
|
One hand, only index finger is raised either horizontally or vertically, other fingers locked up in a fist
|
Gesture of Threatening
|
Karana
|
One hand stretched out horizontally or vertically, palm turned forward, thumb presses down two middle fingers, index and pinky extended straight upwards
|
Gesture of Banishing
|
Buddhashramana
|
Right hand lifted in line with shoulder, wrist bent backwards, fingers and palm face upwards, fingers extended out, away from body
|
Gesture Beyond Misery
|
Tarpana
|
Arms bent at elbow, hands raised even with shoulders, fingers slightly bent with fingertips extending toward shoulders, palms facing downwards
|
Performance of Homage
|
Harina
|
Right hand, thumb and second and third fingers touch tips to form a ring, pinky and index fingers extend upwards
|
Lion Gesture
|
Jnana
|
Right hand, tip of index finger and thumb join to form circle, other fingers extended straight, hand held against chest with palm facing chest
|
Gesture of Knowledge
|
Kartari
|
Hands at shoulder level, thumb and ring finger touch tips to make a circle, pinky, index and middle finger extend straight upwards
|
Gesture of Discord
|
Avakasha
|
Person sitting holds left hand on lap, palm upwards
|
Gesture of Leisure
|
Kataka
|
Left hand is held fist-like, fingers bend together until thumb and index fingers meet, forming an open tube
|
Flower-Holding Gesture
|
Dhyana
|
Both hands placed on lap, right hand on left, fingers fully stretched, palms facing upwards
|
Gesture of Meditation
|
Dharmacakrapravartana
|
Both hands held against chest, left faces inward, right faces outward, index and thumb of each hand make a circle
|
Gesture of Teachng
|
Vajrahumkara
|
Wrists are crossed at breast, hands hold the Vajra (a thunderbolt or mystical weapon), right hand crosses over left, palms face inward towards chest, usually over the heart
|
Embracing Gesture
|
Vajramudra
|
Right hand makes a fist with thumb enclosed, index finger extends upward, palm out, left hand forms a fist with palm inward and encloses extended middle finger
|
Gesture of Knowledge Fist
|
Uttarabodhi
|
All fingers are intertwined with index fingers extending straight up together
|
Gesture of Perfection
|
Kshepana
|
Hands join palm to palm and index fingers extend together, usually pointing downwards or towards a vase or container
|
Gesture of Nectar Sprinkling
|
Namaskara or Anjali
|
Hands are kept close to the chest with palm and fingers joined
|
Gesture of Praying
|
Manidhara
|
Hands are arched and hold a wishing jewel (jewel cannot be seen because it is transparent)
|
Gesture of Holding the Jewel
|
Bhutadamara
|
Hands crossed at wrist, right over left, palms turned outward, two middle fingers are usually slightly bent
|
Warding Off Evil Gesture
|