You probably have seen statues or paintings of the Buddha doing different gestures with his hands, which are called “Mudras”. Here’s what the symbolism means:
Buddha Mudra # 1: ABHAYA - No Fear
Let's start with one of the most popular Buddha hand gestures called Abhaya Mudra, the energy of No Fear.
This is a popular Buddha hand gesture that is found in many home decor items with the image of Buddha, be it sculptures, pictures or even candleholders.
What is Abhaya Mudra? Abhaya is translated from Sanskrit as fearlessness. The Abhaya mudra is made with the open palm of the right hand extending outwards at the chest level or slightly higher. If you look at this Buddha hand gesture, or mudra, you will also feel the energy of protection, peace and a sense of strong, deep inner security. A powerful feng shui decor addition to any home!
What is the best feng shui placement for the Abhaya Mudra Buddha?
The main entrance of your home or the living room.
Buddha Mudra # 2: DHYANA - Meditation
What is Dhyana Mudra? Dhyana, or Samadhi mudra, is the hand gesture that promotes the energy of meditation, deep contemplation and unity with higher energy.
The circling of energy created by the triangle (formed when the thumbs of the two hands touch) also promotes a cleansing of any impurities on an etheric level. Just by looking at this Buddha hand gesture (let alone practicing it!) one can connect to the energy of deep peace and serenity.
What is the best feng shui placement for a Buddha with the Dhyana Hand gesture?
Meditation room, your altar, the center of the home or study.
Buddha Mudra # 3: NAMASKARA - Greeting & Adoration
What is Namaskara Mudra? Namaskara, or Anjali mudra, is the hand gesture that evokes greeting another being with the utmost respect and adoration for the Divine in all. As you can see, the greeting is expressed in a form of prayer coming from one's heart or the third eye.
The Namaskara Mudra can be expressed with palms at the heart level or at the forehead. Why? Because only with the heart, or with a deeper spiritual insight (third eye) can one truly see that we are all expressions of the same light.
It is interesting to note that, as the story goes, true Buddhas no longer make this hand gesture. I guess because once you are one with the Light/Divine energy, you no longer need to express adoration for it. By definition, expressing something means you are outside it.
What is the best feng shui placement for a Buddha with the Namaskara Hand gesture?
Your main entry, dining or living room or home office.
Buddha Mudra # 4: BHUMISPARSA - Calling the Earth To Witness the Truth
What is Bhumisparsa Mudra? Bhumisparsa Mudra is translated as Touching the Earth, or Calling the Earth To Witness the Truth mudra. This hand gesture is always depicted with the right hand, while the left hand is on the lap, with the palm facing outwards (Varada Mudra).
Bhumisparsa mudra is said to be Buddha's hand gesture when he achieved enlightenment. It represents unshaken strength and the truth of his commitment to liberation, which helped overcome the darkness (Mara) challenging him right before he entered the Light.
What is the best feng shui placement for a Bhumisparsa Buddha Hand gesture?
Center of your home, main entrance or o altar.
Buddha Mudra # 5: VARADA - Compassion, Sincerity & Wish Granting
What is Varada Mudra? Varada mudra expresses the energy of compassion, liberation and an offering of acceptance. This mudra is made with the left hand and most often you can see it in conjunction with other mudras, such as the Bhumisparsa or the Abhayamudras, for example.
This mudra is also called a boon-granting mudra, because it helps bestow a specific quality of energy one might be seeking from an enlightened being.
Often you can see a sacred shape, such as a mandala, or an eye in the palm of theBuddha hand. This expresses further the rarefied and powerful energy emanating from an enlightened being through his or her hands.
What is the best feng shui placement for a Buddha with the Varada Hand gesture?
Northwest bagua area of your home or office.
Buddha Mudra # 6: KARANA - Banishing & Expelling Negativity
What is Karana Mudra? Karana mudra expresses a very powerful energy with which negative energy is expelled. This hand gesture is also called warding off the evil. You can sense a very determined, focused energy just by looking at this hand gesture.
If you have a Buddha with the Karana mudra, be very mindful about its placement, be it in a home or office. You do not want it to face the front door (which should have welcoming energy).
By the same token, you do not want it in your bedroom or your child's room.
What is the best feng shui placement for a Buddha with the Karana Hand gesture?
In any bagua area that needs strong clearing, or in a problematic area of the house (such as windows facing a low energy alley, for example).
Buddha Mudra # 7: VAJRAPRADAMA - Confidence in Self
What is Vajrapradama Mudra? Typically translated as the Mudra of Unshakable Self Confidence, this hand gesture evokes so much more. Or, at least, not what we usually understand as self confidence. The first words that come to mind when looking at this beautiful Buddha gesture are: "I come with peace because I am peace".
It emanates a glowing river of the most beautiful golden energy - soft, kind, radiant, very healing, ever-lasting.
I guess we can call it the gesture of confidence in the Self, the real Self that is one with Divine energy.
When this confidence is there, the Heart becomes the strongest communicator. This is what this Buddha mudra evokes - strength and confidence in the Heart Self.
What is the best feng shui placement for a Vajrapradama Mudra Buddha?
The center/heart of the home, the living room, the main entrance.
Buddha Mudra # 8: VITARKA - Teaching Transmission
What is Vitarka Mudra? Vitarka mudra is interpreted as the hand gestue that evokes the energy of teaching and intellectual discussion, or argument. It mostly feels like the transmission of a particular teaching with no words, and the circle formed by the thumb and index finger creates a constant flow of energy/information.
Close to Abhaya Mudra, the energy created by this hand gesture allows for a transmission of knowledge in a protected way, without being impeded by fear.
What is the best feng shui placement for a Vitarka Mudra Buddha?
In the home office or library/study.
Buddha Mudra # 9: DHARMACHAKRA - Wheel of Dharma (Cosmic Order)
What is Darmachakra Mudra? Dharmachakra mudra expresses the continuous energy (symbolized by a wheel/chakra) of the cosmic order. The hands are placed at the heart level with the thumbs and index fingers forming circles (similar to Vitarka mudra). The right palm faces outwards and the left one faces towards the heart.
This mudra is associated with Buddha's first sermon, or teaching. It is often referred to as the representation of teaching about the cosmic order as coming from (or through) the heart center.
What is the best feng shui placement for a Dharmachakra Mudra Buddha?
Home office or living room.
Buddha Mudra # 10: UTTARABODHI - Supreme Enlightenment
What is Uttarabodhi Mudra? The Uttarabodhi mudra is called the mudra of supreme enlightenment. This mudra is formed with both hands placed at the heart; index fingers touching and pointing upwards, the other eight fingers intertwined.
It is a hand gesture that clearly evokes a sense of unshaked unity within oneself in aligning with the One source. Try holding the Uttarabodhi mudra for a couple minutes and sense the subtle energy shift in your body!