History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c92.294

v7.c92.294

In the Indian Antiquary, vol. 26 (1897), pp. 24–25, Burgess mentions nine Buddhist mudrās (slightly differing from Waddell's descriptions) as follows :—(1) Bhūmisprś or Bhūmisparśa mudrā, an attitude of Śakya Buddha ('making the earth as witness); (2) Dharmacakra mudrā (teaching attitude); (3) Abhaya mudrā (of blessing), in which the left hand is open on the lap, the right hand is raised in front of the chest with the fingers and thumb half extended and with the palm facing forwards; (4) Jñānamudrā (Dhyāna mudrā?) or Padmāsanamudrā (posture of contemplation); (5) the Vara or Varadamudrā, in which the right hand hangs down over the knee, the palm of the hand turned outwards symbolising charity; (6) Lalitamudrā (enchanting or bewitching); (7) Tarkamudrā (right hand raised to the chest and slightly constricted; (8) Śaraṇamudrā (of refuge or protection), (9) Uttarabodhimudrā (pose of highest perfection, which is apt to be confounded with Dharmacakramudrā).