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Abhayamudra

( Mudras )

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Abhayamudra Buddhism Hand Mudra

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The abhayamudra ()

(2025). 9780691157863, Princeton University Press. ISBN 9780691157863

is a mudra (gesture) that is the gesture of reassurance and safety, which dispels fear and accords divine protection and bliss in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Indian religions. The right hand is raised to shoulder height, with the palm is facing outward and the fingers pointing upwards This is one of the earliest mudras found depicted on a number of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism images.

Position

Abhaya Mudra Position:

1. Hand Used: Right hand.

2. Palm: Facing outward toward the viewer.

3. Fingers: All five fingers extended upright and held close together.

4. Wrist and Arm:

The elbow is bent.

The hand is raised to shoulder level or slightly above, not touching the body.

Description

The abhayamudra represents protection, peace, benevolence and the dispelling of fear. A form of the Hindu god Shiva, Nataraja, is depicted with the second right hand making the abhayamudra, bestowing protection from both evil and ignorance to those who follow the righteousness of dharma. In Theravada, it is usually made with the right hand raised to shoulder height, the arm bent and the palm facing outward with the fingers upright and joined and the left hand hanging down while standing. In Thailand and Laos, this mudra is associated with the Walking Buddha, often shown having both hands making a double abhayamudra that is uniform.

The abhayamudra was probably used before the onset of Buddhism as a symbol of good intentions proposing friendship when approaching strangers. In the art of Gandhara, it is present when showing the action of preaching. It was also used in China during the Northern Wei and Sui dynasty eras of the 4th and 7th centuries.

The gesture was used by Gautama Buddha to subdue the elephant when attacked by a drunk elephant set off by Devadatta (some says by Ajatashatru),From Dhammapada, Buddhacharita, and Arśapraśamanasūtra as shown in several and scripts. In Mahayana, deities often paired it with another mudra using the other hand.