Buddha's Statues & Gestures (Mudras)
Buddha Gestures (Mudrā)
The Buddha Posture refers to the various characteristic poses or attitudes of a Buddha image, which are created based on the stories of the Buddhist Chronicles .
During the Gupta Dynasty (260–480 CE), the Greeks were the first people to craft statues representing the Buddha as a human being, and as such designed the first Buddha Postures.
Later, Southern Indian artisans, including those from Kalinga-rāṣṭra (Kalingarath), along with artists from various subsequent eras, devised a large number of additional postures.
Emerald Buddha
The Emerald Buddha symbolizes spiritual purity, protection, and prosperity in Thai culture.
Despite its name, the statue is carved from a single piece of jade, it represents the Buddha’s enlightenment and wisdom.
The statue is considered a powerful guardian of the nation and its people.
Opening the Worlds
(Loka-vivarana-patihariya)
The Buddha performed the miracle of opening the worlds (Loka-vivarana-patihariya). Both arms hang down by his side, and both palms are open and facing forward in a gesture symbolizing his opening the worlds.
Victory Over Māra
(Māra-Vijaya-Mudrā)
While the Bodhisattva (future Buddha) was seated upon the Bodhi seat (or Bodhi-throne), Māra the Tempter rode upon the elephant Girimekhala, which was 150 yojanas tall, leading his army with the intent to destroy the Bodhisattva's meditation and effort.
Subduing Asurindarāhu
When Asurindarāhu came for the audience, believing his body was immense and larger than the Buddha’s, he refused to show respect.
The Buddha intended to humble the demon's arrogance. He miraculously enlarged his own body to become even greater than Asurindarāhu. The Buddha lay in the Lion’s Posture, resting his head on a mountain as a pillow. His two stacked feet were taller and larger than Asurindarāhu's body. Asurindarāhu had to strain his neck to gaze upon the Buddha's form.
Walking
This posture commemorates the event when the Buddha descended from the Tāvatiṃsa Heaven, accompanied by a host of deities and Brahmās who came to escort him.
