Mudra

In Indian religions, a mudra (Sanskrit, literally "seal") is a gesture made with the hand or fingers. Along with asanas (body postures), they are used in yoga. Each mudra has a meaning. They are a central part of Hindu iconography. Mudras are also used in Buddhism. There are hand gestures in both Hindu and Buddhist iconography. An example would be the outward-facing open palm known as Abhay (without fear) mudra, a gesture meant to dispel fear.

References

Stutley, Margaret (2003), The Illustrated Dictionary of Hindu Iconography (First Indian Edition ed.), New Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd., ISBN 81-215-1087-2 Originally published 1985, Routledge & Kegan Paul plc, London.

Other websites

Mudras Photo Gallery Archived 2008-05-17 at the Wayback Machine
Mudras in Buddhism Archived 2010-05-05 at the Wayback Machine

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