Buddhism has many rituals and practices that are meant to aid oneself on their journey to enlightenment and bring blessings. Mantras are sacred sounds that are believed to have supernatural powers. Mantra is a sanskrit word that means "That which protects the mind". Meditation is a form of concentration that gradually leads to enlightenment and spiritual freedom. There are two main types of Buddhist meditation: vipassana (insight) and samatha (tranquility). The two are often combined or used one after the other (usually vipassana follows samatha).
Mudras are symbolic hand gestures, used symbolically in Buddha images and during meditation to evoke particular ideas.
Abhaya Mudra (Fearlessness)
This gesture of fearlessness and protection represents spiritual power. Most often seen being used by standing Buddhas.
This gesture of fearlessness and protection represents spiritual power. Most often seen being used by standing Buddhas.
Bhumisparsha Mudra (Earth Witness)
The gesture of "earth witness," which the Buddha is said to have made at the time of his Enlightenment.
The gesture of "earth witness," which the Buddha is said to have made at the time of his Enlightenment.
Dharmachakra Mudra (Wheel Turning)
The gesture of "wheel-turning" or the turning of the wheel of the dharma, representing the Buddha's teachings.
This is the said wheel. The Dharmachakra Wheel of Law has eight spokes which represents the Eightfold Path.
The gesture of "wheel-turning" or the turning of the wheel of the dharma, representing the Buddha's teachings.
This is the said wheel. The Dharmachakra Wheel of Law has eight spokes which represents the Eightfold Path.
Dhyana Mudra (Meditation)
The gesture of meditation.
The gesture of meditation.
Varada Mudra (Gift Giving)
The gesture of gift-giving, or bestowal.
The gesture of gift-giving, or bestowal.