Mudra

The mudra (Sanskrit, f, मुद्रा, mudrā, originally: "seal" ) is a symbolic hand gesture (hand gesture, hand position), both in everyday life (see the greeting gesture Namaste ), in religious practice as well as in Indian dance finds its application. Translated from Sanskrit, mudra "that which brings joy." Mud means joy, but also gesture to please the gods. Ra means " what is ".

Such gestures are now brought especially with the Hindu and Buddhist (in this case, particularly in esoteric Buddhism) practice in connection and are also many depictions of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas or to find Hindu deities. On the one hand they are used to represent a religious symbolism, on the other hand they also have a very specific function - for example as part of a cleaning action to spiritually cleanse for example living rooms. Especially in Tantrism, the mudras are complex and numerous.

For some directions of Yoga Mudras have to go beyond the symbolic meaning, the function of acting on the organism and are part of the yoga practice. The chinmudra ( index finger and thumb together, hands on your legs crossed ) is to promote the flow of energy. The right palm in the past on the legs crossed left characterizes the meditators ( dhyanamudra ). The vishnumudra ( index and middle fingers to the palm ) is used for breathing exercises. Mudra referred to in the ancient Hatha Yoga texts, particularly in energy- effective exercises. In this sense, each asana ( yogic posture ), this is performed in connection with certain concentrations, also at Mudra (eg Viparita Karani Mudra ).

For the representations of deities, the mudras are a vital part. The position of the hand and fingers usually indicates an activity with which you send the sitter is busy, and this activity is an expression of an idea. The most common Mudra earlier times was the abhayamudra which " Fear not " is the idea. This mudra is also very well known in Buddhism. Another important hand gesture in the representation of the " enlightened " is the dharmachakra Mudra - it is the sign " Raddrehens ", ie ( of the beginning ) the teaching of Buddha and therefore closely linked to the sacred site of Sarnath.

At a mudra in Tantric Buddhism always include a mantra and mandala. Together they form the three secrets of the universe, thought, word and deed (Japanese Sanmitsu ).

Mudras play an important role in classical Indian dance and the Indian drama.

Bhumisparshamudra: Gesture of Erdanrufung

Dharmachakramudra: Gesture of Teaching

Dhyanamudra: Gesture of sinking

The mida -no- join ( Jap.弥陀 定 印), which are typical only in Japan Meditation gesture of Buddha Amida ( Daibutsu at Kōtoku -in)