images and in practice to evoke particular ideas or buddhas in the mind during Buddhist meditation or ritual.

The gestures performed by the hands of a Buddha image (mudras) have specific meanings that refer to some event in the life of the Buddha or denote a special characteristic.

Some important mudras are 

DHARMACHAKRA MUDRA

• This mudra depicts Buddha at his first sermon in Sarnath after he attained enlightenment. 
• It is done with the help of both the hands which are held against the chest, the left facing inward, covering the right facing outward.

DHYAN MUDRA

• It is simple Yogasan posture placing both hands on lap. 
• This is the characteristic gesture of Buddha Shakyamuni, Dhyani Buddha Amitabh and the Medicine Buddhas.

BHUMSPAR MUDRA

• Buddha’s awakening as he claims the earth as the witness of his enlightenment. 
• It is done with the help of the right hand, which is held from above the right knee, reaching toward the ground with the palm inward while touching the lotus throne.

VARADA MUDRA

• It represents charity, welcome, offering 
• It is done with left hand placed above lap in air.

KARANA MUDRA

• It is for warding of evil, sickness etc. 
• Index and little fingers are raised while folding other fingers.

VAJRA MUDRA

• It represents thunderbolt consisting of five element of air, water, earth, fire and metal 
• It is done by holding left hand fire finger in right hand fist.

VITARK MUDRA

• It signifies discussion and teaching by joining thumb to index finger while other fingers straight.

ABHAYA MUDRA

• It represents fearlessness or blessing by Indian way of giving Ashirvad with right hand and left handhanging down. 

• It is charaterstic of Buddha Shakyamuni and Dhyani Buddha Amoghasiddhi.

UTTARBODHI MUDRA

• It represents supreme enlightenment by placing both hands near chest and index finger raised upward and joined while other fingers intertwined.

ANJALI MUDRA

• It represents greeting, prayer or adoration.
• It is same as simple Namaskar posture we do it everyday.