There is no one key to unlocking the mysteries of India, a nation at once so traditional and so dynamic, so anarchic and so arresting. But mudra, the gestural vocabulary used in imagery, dance, and yoga, can help. With root meanings in a verb that can signify cleansing and purification as well as satisfaction and delight, mudra is used in Indian rhetoric to denote “the expression of things by their right names.” More concretely, a mudra is a seal or an emblem. As a system of hand gestures, it can sum up a god’s or goddess’s character—or a dancer’s mood—in a moment of concentrated symbolism and meaning.
What follow are illustrations of some of the most common mudras used in Indian iconography, whether Hindu, Buddhist, or Jain. Understanding these symbols can enable a visitor to make sense of who’s who in a prolifically carved Hindu temple, or give an indication of the message conveyed in a brightly printed calendar hanging behind a shopkeeper’s counter. The attentive visitor may even see reflections of these ancient gestures in the everyday bearing of ordinary people, whether the truck driver, the waiter, or the temple priest.
“Consciousness or Deliberation Mudra”
Known as Chin or Vitarka Mudra.This touch of the thumb and forefinger evokes mind and mindfulness. A yogi will assume this gesture—accompanied by outstretched arms and upturned palms resting on knees—while meditating in the lotus position. Or the dreadlocked god Shiva, with a crooked elbow and a vertical palm, might use this while explaining yoga to his consort Parvati.
“No Fear Mudra”
Known as Abhaya Mudra.A gesture familiar from statues of the Buddha, it’s also used by the fearsome Hindu goddess Durga as she looks out at you while riding a tiger. It’s commonly employed as well in modern daily life—to calm a crowd, or an impatient traveler.
Known as Namaskara Mudra.Probably the most familiar gesture in all of Indian physical culture. This can be a deeply felt sign of reverence or simply a polite form of greeting.
“Earth-Touching Mudra”
Known as Bhumisparsha Mudra.Another signature gesture of the meditating Buddha. He is said to have touched the soil like this at the moment he simultaneously attained enlightenment and came back to Earth. Shiva, Hinduism’s great erotic-ascetic god, can also be found in this posture.
Known as Dhyana Mudra.The archetypal, centered position of contemplation. Hands are held still in the lap, between the upward-facing soles of the feet in lotus position, exemplifying symmetry and stillness.
“Index Finger Mudra”
Known as Tarjani Mudra. Indicates anger, but do not fear. Raised by a guardian spirit at a temple doorway, or in the iconography of a terrifying goddess like Durga or Kali, the finger is meant to point away from you and vanquish what would harm you.
“Giving Mudra”
Known as Varada Mudra.You’ll often see this in statues of the standing Buddha as well as in calendar-art prints of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, which are often posted by the cash box in Indian shops.
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Depicting the open hand, an image recognized and used as a sign of protection in many times throughout history, the hamsa has been traditionally believed to provide defense against the evil eye.
Which hand gesture is inappropriate in India? Mostly, using your left hand or legs to do things is considered offensive or inappropriate in India. Hindu people perform Pujas with their right hand. So, whenever you are in a Hindu temple, don't use your left hand to give your offerings in front of the god.
Meeting and Greeting. Westerners may shake hands, however, greeting with 'namaste' (na-mas-TAY) (placing both hands together with a slight bow) is appreciated and shows respect for Indian customs.
A mudra (/muˈdrɑː/; Sanskrit: मुद्रा, IAST: mudrā, "seal", "mark", or "gesture"; Tibetan: ཕྱག་རྒྱ་, THL: chakgya) is a symbolic or ritual gesture or pose in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. While some mudras involve the entire body, most are performed with the hands and fingers.
When the Hamsa hand is facing up, it is a universal sign against evil. It is a powerful sign of protection and shields us from our inner thoughts of hatred, jealousy, and insecurities. Often, in this position, the fingers are spread apart to ward off evil.
It gives blessing, it is expressive. According to Aristotle, the hand is the "tool of tools." In general it is strength, power and protection. However, it can just as easily mean generosity, hospitality and stability; "lend a hand".
Emoji Meaning: A hand with all fingers spread apart, indicating a virtual high-five, wave or "halt" gesture. Emoji Icon:🤟🤟🏻🤟🏼🤟🏽🤟🏾🤟🏿 Emoji Name: Love-you Gesture.
Also, note that Indians will often touch their head or eyes as a show of apology. On the other hand, it's a sign of respect to bend down and touch an elder person's feet in India. Pointing with your finger is also rude in India.
In India, holding up the pinky is a signal that the person has to urinate. Similarly, in Indonesia, when a man points his pinky finger downward it is a signal that he needs to urinate. In Turkey, it's tradition to link pinky fingers when two people are making a bet.
The emoji "🤙" represents a hand gesture commonly known as the "call me hand" or "shaka sign." It is used to convey various meanings and can have different interpretations depending on the context and cultural background.
In the United States, and some parts of Europe, the “o*k” sign is now used to suggest “White power”. It's a common emoji, and in India, a gesture that people frequently make: forefinger bent to touch the tip of the thumb, creating a circle, and the other three fingers outstretched (or perhaps slightly bent).
The left hand is considered “inauspicious" while conducting Hindu rituals, and many families still consider it unacceptable to eat with the left hand as it's considered the “dirty" hand. “As a country, we believe in so many rituals because we understand our scriptures only superficially.
The Hamsa, or the Hand of Fatima, is a symbolic hand which represents protection in both Jewish and Islamic cultures. Relating to Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed (the founder of Islam), and Miriam, the sister of Moses, this symbol directly correlates back to various religions and cultures.
How to say “I love you” in Sign Language. To sign I love you in American Sign Language (ASL), point out your thumb and index finger to form an “L”. While keeping them extended, lift your little finger. Your middle and ring finger keep touching your palm.
Conclusion: Mudras are an age-old effective form of therapy. In Sanskrit, 'adi' means 'first' and mudras define gestures; hence the name 'primordial mudra'. Adi mudra may help guide the energy flow to certain parts of the body.
The solid hand symbol in Native American culture was sometimes displayed on the body of those who won in hand-to-hand combat. The hand represented a human life and was believed to transfer energy to the individual that the symbol was placed on.
The Hamsa/Hand of Fatima is a hand that holds many different meanings to a wide range of cultures, including Judaism and Islam. Hamsa, or “khamsa” (خمسة) in Arabic, means five: a number associated with the Evil Eye, the five pillars of Islam, and of course, the five fingers on the symbolic hand itself.
The answer is yes! In fact, many people wear the Hamsa Hand and the evil eye together for added protection and blessings. It's all about intention and what these symbols mean to you personally. Embrace the power of the Hamsa Hand and the evil eye and wear them with pride.
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