abhaya-mudrā

(Sanskrit, gesture of fearlessness). Iconographic hand gesture (mudrā) whose purpose is to dispel fear and communicate protection, benevolence, and peace. Commonly found in representations of the Buddha and celestial Bodhisattvas, where the figure is usually depicted standing with the right arm bent, the palm raised and facing forwards, and the fingers joined. This gesture is rare among figures of lower status. There are many variations in which the left hand is also used, such as the double abhaya-mudrā found in south-east Asia, or in combination with various left-hand mudrās, although this is more common in east Asia.

abhaya-mudrā

ADVERTISEMENT