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Buddha Mudra

बुद्ध मुद्रा

Also known as: Dharma Teaching Mudra, Wisdom Transmission Gesture

Meditation/SpiritualFire

Etymology

Buddha (बुद्ध) means 'awakened one' - representing enlightened consciousness

Finger Position

Right hand in teaching position, left hand in receptive position

Duration

2-5 minutes before teaching or speaking

Difficulty

Beginner

Associated Chakras

Anahata(Heart)

Vishuddha(Throat)

Ajna(Third Eye)

Bija Mantra: OM

Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points

MGN Notation

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

Instructions

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...

Quick Start Checklist

1Right hand thumb and index form circle at chest (Buddha/Teaching)
2Left hand rests on knee in receiving position
3Breathe naturally; embody teaching wisdom
4Hold 5-10 minutes during discussion or study

Benefits

Physical

•Opens chest and throat for clear communication
•promotes confident posture

Mental

•Enhances teaching ability
•balances giving and receiving knowledge
•promotes wisdom sharing

Spiritual

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

Precautions

!If social anxiety is high
!start with 1–2 minute holds and gradual exposure
!Keep shoulder relaxed; avoid locking elbow in extended right hand
!Practice seated if dizziness or hyperarousal occurs

Clinical Applications

ADHD & Attention TrainingAnxiety & Stress ManagementDepression & Mood Support

Guided Practice

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

Symbolism

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