Meditation
(Samādhi Mudra)
Upon the Buddha’s victory over Mara, he marked the definitive moment of spiritual triumph and unshakeable resolve. In the month of May—the month of Vesak, which commemorates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing (Parinirbāna).
The Buddha image in the Meditation Posture, also known as the Enlightenment Posture (Dhyāna Mudra). This is a symbol of 'awakening' or the discovery of the ultimate truth of nature, which is often shrouded by defilements and delusion—namely ignorance, false knowledge, and knowledge that does not lead to the end of suffering (Avijjā)."
The Meditation Posture (Samadhi / The Enlightenment)
Iconographic Characteristics:
The Buddha image is in a seated position, cross-legged in the "flat" meditation style.
-
Hands: Both hands rest palms upward on the lap, with the right hand placed over the left hand.
-
Legs: The right leg is placed over the left leg.
Origin of the Meditation Posture and Enlightenment
After the Bodhisattva attained victory over Mara, he continued to practice deep meditation until his mind became firm, pure, and radiant. He then attained the supreme wisdom known as "Enlightenment" on the night of the full moon of the 6th lunar month at Bodh Gaya, India. He realized the following stages of higher knowledge (Nāṇa) in sequence:
-
First Watch (Evening): Attained Pubbenivasanussati-ñāṇa —Remembrance of Past Lives.
-
Middle Watch (Midnight): Attained Cutupapata-ñāṇa —Divine Eye – the knowledge of the death and rebirth of beings according to their Karma.
-
Final Watch (Dawn): Attained Asavakkhaya-ñāṇa —Knowledge of the Destruction of Mental Impurities.
Enlightenment is the moment the Buddha utilized the law of Dependent Origination to master the mechanics of life. This realization was summarized into the Four Noble Truths, and he established the Eightfold Path as the practical roadmap for humanity to extinguish suffering just as he did.
Key Event: He attained the Supreme Enlightenment at dawn, precisely on the 15th day of the waxing moon of the 6th lunar month (Vesak Day). Today, this sacred site is the Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar,