At our fingertips we now have Google to answer even our most inane curiousity. In this case it wasnt inane but quite significant. Ive been living in a Buddhist country for a while now and its easy to just stare in awe at the gilded beauty of the temples without having any real understanding of their meaning.
So after visiting multiple beautiful temples I finally Googled ” The Gestures of Buddha” because I had noticed there was so many poses that he would stand in.
I found out that there is around six main gestures and their meanings are all related to a period of Buddhas teachings.
Here is some images I have taken of Buddhas Gestures. These first images are from a temple on a mountain top which towers over Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand , called Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep also a few from a temple very close to the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
The Dhyana Mudra – This one signifies meditation.
Varada Mudra – Symbolizing Charity.
Abhaya Mudra – Imparting Fearlessness (Reassurance)
This one can be two handed as well ( below ).
Bhumisparsa Mudra : Subduing Mara, Calling the Earth to Witness , the most common Buddha gesture in Thailand, Buddha calls to the earth to witness to his earnest life.
This Buddha stands in Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok
Vitarka Mudra – Signifies teaching and instruction , this image is also from the Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok. The below Buddha is in a Japanese style.
The last Buddha gesture couldnt be found amongst my image libraries but Ill keep an eye out for it in my travels, it is Dharmachakra Mudra – Turning the Wheel of the Law in Motion.
So now you can go back to your photos and see what all those gorgeous golden Thai Buddhas were saying to you in the context of their meaning not just their beauty.
Hi, beautiful words and images Nat. My favourite of the photos has to be the ‘teaching and instruction” one. I love the background colour with the gold. Also that it is about education.. : )