Abhaya Mudra

Abhaya Mudra: A Gesture involving the raising of an open palm, universally perceived as a sign of assurance and liberation from fear. Recently Rahul Gandhi the Leader of Opposition delineated the current government as one grounded in fear, emphasizing that this ethos of intimidation stands in stark contrast to the very essence of Hinduism and Indian civilization.

He eloquently stated, “The core notion within this imagery we defend is the confrontation of fear itself, the resolve to never yield to trepidation.” Gandhi elucidated that the abhaya mudra is a recurring motif in the iconography of spiritual figures like Lord Shiva, Guru Nanak, and Jesus Christ, and is similarly reflected in Islam, Buddhism, and Jainism.

But historically and philosophically, what does this gesture signify? What are its origins, and what deeper meaning does it convey?

Mudras in Buddhism

In Sanskrit, the word mudra can imply a seal, symbol, or even a form of currency. However, within the Buddhist milieu, it refers specifically to “hand and arm gestures employed during rituals or depicted in images of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, tantric deities, and other sacred Buddhist representations” (Buswell and Lopez, The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism, 2013).

Mudras are frequently linked to visual portrayals of the Buddha (or Buddharupa), with distinct gestures conveying varying moods and meanings, often symbolizing subtle spiritual revelations. For around 500 years following Buddha’s life (6th or 5th Century BCE), representations of the enlightened sage were not created in the form of sculptures or images. At Sanchi, for instance, the Buddha was symbolized by an empty throne or a footprint.

It wasn’t until the dawn of the first millennium that the first physical depictions of the Buddha emerged. These visualizations initially surfaced in the Gandhara art of the northwestern Indian subcontinent (modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan), which exhibited Hellenistic influences. Later, these depictions evolved within the art of the Gupta era, particularly in the Gangetic plains.

Early representations of the Buddharupa commonly feature four specific mudras: the abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness), the bhumisparsha mudra (Earth-touching gesture), the dharmachakra mudra (gesture of the wheel of dharma), and the dhyana mudra (gesture of meditation).

As Mahayana (Greater Vehicle) and Vajrayana (Thunderbolt Vehicle) Buddhism evolved, coupled with the spread of Buddhist art beyond India, hundreds of mudras became integral to Buddhist iconography. In tantric Buddhist traditions, these gestures often symbolized dynamic ritual hand movements, embodying offerings, worship forms, or relationships with visualized deities (Buswell and Lopez).

Read more: Hepatitis B

The Gesture of Fearlessness

Buswell and Lopez describe the abhaya mudra as typically formed with the palm of the right hand facing outward at shoulder height, fingers extended upwards. Occasionally, the thumb and a finger — either the index, middle, or ring finger — might touch, while the other fingers remain extended. In certain instances, both hands can assume this posture, referred to as the “double abhayamudra.”

In Buddhist tradition, the abhaya mudra is intimately tied to the Buddha immediately after his enlightenment, symbolizing the profound security, tranquility, and compassion emanating from his enlightened state (Buswell and Lopez). Furthermore, this gesture marks the moment when Shakyamuni (the Buddha) subdued a mad elephant, illustrating his ability to bestow fearlessness upon his followers (Buswell, Encyclopedia of Buddhism, 2004).

As recounted in Buddhist lore, Devadatta — a cousin and disciple of the Buddha — after being denied special privileges, conspired to harm him. He intoxicated a wild elephant and unleashed it upon the Buddha. As the terrified disciples fled before the charging beast, the Buddha calmly raised his hand in the abhaya mudra of loving-kindness. The enraged elephant immediately calmed, kneeled, and bowed before the Buddha.

This act is why the abhaya mudra is also interpreted as a “gesture of protection” or “gesture of sanctuary.”

Abhaya Mudra in Hinduism

In due course, the abhaya mudra became prevalent in depictions of Hindu deities, with Buddha himself being assimilated into Hindu mythology as the ninth avatar of the god Vishnu.

“Hindus began to regard the Buddha as an avatar of Vishnu between AD 450 and the sixth century,” writes Indologist Wendy Doniger in her seminal work The Hindus: An Alternative History. The first recorded reference to Buddha as an avatar can be traced to the Vishnu Purana (400-500 CE).

As diverse traditions, practices, and cultural influences coalesced in the grand mosaic of Hindu religion, artistic and visual representations of deities also evolved. The abhaya mudra became a common feature, especially in the depictions of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Ganesha.

Thus, the Abhaya Mudra transcends both religious and cultural boundaries, symbolizing a timeless message of fearlessness, protection, and spiritual refuge.

Read more: G-Securities and its Applications