Mudra is a symbolic hand gesture commonly used in East Asia. There are four types of Mudras that have significant meaning seen in Buddhist figurines. The following statues below represent the Dhyana Mudra, Abhaya Mudra, Dharmachakra Mudra, and the Bhumisparsha Mudra poses. Mudra descriptions are self expressed and non-verbal positions, exemplifying communication in it's solemn tone in forms of gestures and postures. They are usually used to indicate the identity of the Buddha as well.
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Dhyana mudra may be made with one or both hands. When made with a single hand the left one is placed in the lap, while the right may be engaged elsewhere. The left hand making the Dhyana mudra in such cases symbolizes the female left-hand principle of wisdom. Ritual objects such as a text, or more commonly an alms bowl symbolizing renunciation, may be placed in the open palm of this left hand.
Abhaya in Sanskrit means fearlessness, and the abhaya mudra symbolizes protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear. The gesture is made with the right hand raised to shoulder height, arm bent, and palm facing outward.Photo: http://www.exoticindiaart.comDharmachakra: is the 'Wheel of Dharma'. This mudra symbolizes one of the most important moments in the life of Buddha, the occasion when he preached to his companions the first sermon after his Enlightenment in the Deer Park at Sarnath. In this mudra the thumb and index finger of both hands touch at their tips to form a circle. This circle represents the Wheel of Dharma, or in metaphysical terms, the union of method and wisdom. The three remaining fingers of the two hands remain extended.
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Bhumisparsha means 'touching the earth'. It is more commonly known as the "earth witness" mudra. This mudra, formed with all five fingers of the right hand extended to touch the ground, symbolizes the Buddha's enlightenment under the bodhi tree, when he summoned the earth goddess, Sthavara, to bear witness to his attainment of enlightenment.The right hand, placed upon the right knee in earth-pressing mudra, and complemented by the left hand-which is held flat in the lap in the dhyana mudra of meditation, symbolizes the union of method and wisdom, samasara and nirvana, and also the realizations of the conventional and ultimate truths. It is in this posture that Shakyamuni overcame the obstructions of Mara while meditating on Truth..."
Source Religionfacts.com
Your post was quite informative. Bhumisparsha Mudra is a symbolic gesture and body position that acknowledges a few major moments in the Buddha's life. This is my preferred mudra posture.
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