1. Dharmachakra Mudra – Teaching

 This is also known as “Teaching of the Wheel of Dharma” which describes the moment he gave his first sermon in Sarnath after he attained enlightenment. Both hands are held against the chest, the left facing inward covering the right facing forward.

 2. Bhumisparsa Mudra – Touching the Earth

 At the moment of his Enlightenment, Shakyamuni Buddha was challenged by Devaputra Mara on the validity of its attainment. As his only witness was the Earth, he touched the Earth with his right hand and asked mother Earth to bear witness to his perfection. This gesture is known as the Bhumisparsa (“Touching the Earth”) Mudra. The right hand is held above the right knee reaching towards the ground with the palm inward while touching the lotus throne

 3. Varada Mudra – Granting a Boon

 This mudra is also known as the “granting a boon gesture”. The palm of the right hand is held above the right knee with the palm facing forward towards the receiver of boons and fingers extended; the left hand is on the lap, palm upward and fingers extended holding an alms bowl

 4. Dhyan Mudra – Wisdom and Compassion

 This is the characteristic gesture of Buddha Shakyamuni, Dhyani Buddha Amitabha and the Medicine Buddha; the meditating hand gesture represents the unity of wisdom and compassion. Both hands are placed on the lap, the right hand on top of the left, palms upward with the two thumbs touching each other and fingers stretched. Amitabha Buddha holds an alms bowl between his two palms.

 5. Abhaya Mudra – Protection

 This is the gesture of fearlessness or blessing that represents the dispelling of fear; the symbolic meaning of the dispelling fear pose is an interpretation of the action of preaching. This gesture is characteristic of Buddha Shakyamuni and Dhyani Buddha Amoghasiddhi. The right hand is raised to shoulder height with bent arm and the face of the palm facing outward with fingers upright whilst the left hand is hanging down if standing or placed on the lap, palm upward, if seated.