अभय मुद्रा
Abhaya (अभय) means 'fearlessness' or 'without fear'
The hands have a disproportionately large area of representation in the brain's sensory and motor cortices, a concept visualized by the cortical homunculus.
A mudra holds the fingers in a specific, sustained posture, creating a stable and precise pattern of neural input from the hand to the brain.
This focused neural circuit influences brainwave activity and helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, allowing you to consciously shift your psychological and energetic state towards a desired quality like calmness or focus.
Right hand raised, palm out, fingers joined upright
2-5 minutes for blessing practices
Beginner
Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points
HAND(RIGHT) PALM(OUTWARD) WRIST(STRAIGHT) T: STRAIGHT 1: STRAIGHT 2: STRAIGHT 3: STRAIGHT 4: STRAIGHT FINGERS(TOGETHER) # Hand raised to shoulder height, palm facing outward
This Buddhist fearlessness gesture activates parasympathetic responses through the raised palm position. Research on open palm postures shows they increase confidence and reduce cortisol levels while promoting social connection (Cuddy et al., 2012). Neuroimaging studies demonstrate that upward palm orientation activates prefrontal areas associated with emotional regulation. Formation: Sit with spine erect. Raise right hand to shoulder height, palm facing forward, fingers naturally upward. Rest ...
Traditional texts describe this as "transmitting protection and blessing energy" and "dispelling negative forces" — their terms for how raising the open palm in blessing activates the parasympathetic nervous system's prosocial and confidence-building functions. Ancient practitioners observed that this fearless gesture creates what they called "refuge consciousness" — the calm, steady presence that
Raise your right hand to shoulder height with palm facing forward, fingers naturally extended. Keep your left hand resting on your knee or in your lap. This is the fearlessness gesture used by Buddha. This protective positioning naturally calms fear and creates a sense of safety. Most practitioners notice reduced anxiety and increased confidence within moments of holding this gesture. Practice when feeling afraid or anxious, before challenging situations, or whenever you want to offer blessing and protection to yourself or others.
Traditional Buddhist stories tell of Buddha raising his right hand in this exact gesture to calm a wild elephant sent to attack him. Ancient practitioners believed this mudra radiated what they called 'abhaya' (fearlessness) - not the absence of fear, but compassionate courage that transforms fear i