बुद्ध मुद्रा
Also known as: Dharma Teaching Mudra, Wisdom Transmission Gesture
Buddha (बुद्ध) means 'awakened one' - representing enlightened consciousness
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 in teaching position, left hand in receptive position
2-5 minutes before teaching or speaking
Beginner
Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points
HAND(LEFT) PALM(UP) WRIST(STRAIGHT) T: STRAIGHT 1: STRAIGHT 2: STRAIGHT 3: STRAIGHT 4: STRAIGHT FINGERS(TOGETHER) HAND(RIGHT) PALM(OUTWARD) WRIST(STRAIGHT) T: STRAIGHT 1: STRAIGHT 2: STRAIGHT 3: STRAIGHT 4: STRAIGHT FINGERS(TOGETHER) # Left hand receptive in lap, right hand teaching gesture at chest
This is the teaching mudra used by Buddha during the Dharmachakra Pravartana - the first sermon after his enlightenment at Deer Park, according to Buddhist scriptures. Raise your right hand to chest level with palm facing outward in blessing gesture. Rest your left hand palm-up in your lap (receiving wisdom). Touch your right thumb to your right index finger, creating what traditional texts call the 'wheel of Dharma' circle. This hand position represents the eternal cycle of learning and teachin...
Traditional texts describe this as "connecting with Buddha's teaching energy" and "facilitating dharma transmission" — their terms for how this teaching gesture activates the parasympathetic nervous system's knowledge-sharing and wisdom-transmission functions. Ancient practitioners observed that this hand formation creates what they called "dharma consciousness" — the naturally wise, compassionate
Form a circle with your right thumb and index fingertips while resting your left hand palm up on your knee. This teaching gesture activates communication centers through finger-tip pressure points, research shows (Pascoe et al., 2017). SAFETY: Those with hand arthritis should practice gently. Avoid forcing finger positioning. Feel the circle formation naturally organizing thoughts and promoting clear expression. Many practitioners notice enhanced mental clarity and confident communication within minutes. Practice 5-10 minutes before teaching or speaking. APPLICATIONS: Before presentations, during meditation for wisdom development, or when needing to communicate complex concepts clearly. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Modify pressure if arthritis causes discomfort. Those with social anxiety should start with short practice periods.
Traditional Buddhist texts describe this as the mudra Buddha used when 'turning the wheel of Dharma' - setting spiritual law in motion through teaching. Ancient practitioners believed the circle formed by thumb and finger represented the endless cycle of wisdom transmission, while the raised hand of