In Buddhist statues, different gestures often represent the different identities of the Buddha, and also refer to the teachings of Buddhism, which have great connotations. There are five common mudra in Buddhist temples, namely Dharma Seal, Fearless Seal, Wish Seal, Demon Subduing Seal, and Meditation Seal, which are generally called the "Five Seals of Sakyamuni".
Dharma Seal
Dharma Seal represents the seal formed when the Buddha preached the Dharma. To practice Dharma seal, twist the thumb and middle finger (or index finger, ring finger) together, and let the other fingers relax naturally. This impression symbolizes the meaning of the Buddha's teaching.
Fearless Seal
Fearless Seal means "a person who is completely fearless" or "a reassuring, calming person". It makes all living beings feel at ease and fearless, so it is also called giving without fear. In the fearless seal, flex your hands and raise them in front of your chest, with your fingers naturally stretched and your palms facing outward.
and the wish seal
and the wish seal are also often called the wish-fulfilling seal. There are many Buddha statues holding this seal in Buddhist statues, including the Oriental Pure Glaze World Medicine Buddha, the Western Three Saints Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and its incarnations, etc. . In the Wish Seal, the right hand is naturally extended and drooped, with the palm upward, expressing the compassion to save all living beings and satisfy all living beings' wishes.
The Seal of Subduing Demons
The Seal of Subduing Demons is also called the Seal of Enlightenment and the Seal of Touching the Earth. Those who hold this seal include Sakyamuni Buddha, Akho Buddha and so on. In the Demon Subduing Seal, hang your right hand naturally, with the palm of your hand facing inward, between your right knee and calf, with your middle finger touching the ground. When Shakyamuni Buddha was practicing and attaining enlightenment, demon kings disturbed him. Buddha touched the ground with his right finger, making the earth a witness.
Meditation Seal
Meditation Seal can also be called the Meditation Seal, which represents the mudra formed by the Buddha when he entered meditation. Common Buddhist statues holding this seal include Amitabha Buddha in the Western Paradise World, Medicine Buddha in the Eastern Pure Glaze World, etc. In the meditation seal, the hands are stretched out flat, with the palms facing upward, usually the right hand is on top, the two thumbs are placed on top of each other, and they are stacked alternately between the legs.
