Mudrā: Hand Gestures

Mudrā, in Japanese in or insō (印相), are the symbolic positions of the hands in Buddhist images. Because buddhas wear the same plain robe and carry few objects, the hands are often the only way to tell them apart. Each gesture also carries a message to the viewer: do not fear, I will grant your wish, I am teaching, I am in meditation.

The principal gestures

Name Position Meaning Seen with
Semui-in Right hand raised, palm outward Fear not Shaka, Yakushi, many buddhas
Yogan-in Left hand lowered, palm outward Granting wishes Usually paired with semui-in
Jōin Hands in the lap, one over the other Meditation Shaka, Amida, Dainichi of the Womb Realm
Amida jōin Meditation hands with thumbs and index fingers forming circles Amida's meditation Amida
Raigō-in Right hand raised, left lowered, both with thumb and finger joined Welcome to the Pure Land Standing Amida
Tenbōrin-in Both hands at the chest forming circles Turning the wheel of teaching Shaka, Amida
Sokuchi-in Right hand reaching down to touch the earth Calling the earth to witness awakening Shaka, rare in Japan
Chiken-in Right fist enclosing the raised left index finger Wisdom fist Dainichi of the Diamond Realm
Gasshō Palms joined Reverence Seishi, attendants, devotees

Amida's nine grades

Pure Land texts describe nine grades of rebirth, from highest to lowest, and medieval sculptors gave Amida nine corresponding variations of the hands, the kuhon-in. They differ in whether the hands are in meditation, raised and lowered, or both at the chest, and in which finger meets the thumb. A temple with nine Amida figures, such as Jōruriji in Kyoto, shows the idea in its fullest form.

Mudrā of the wisdom kings and esoteric rites

Esoteric Buddhism uses hundreds of mudrā in ritual, many hidden under the sleeve. In sculpture, the principal hands of wisdom kings form distinctive gestures: Gōzanze crosses his little fingers, Gundari crosses his arms, and Batō imitates a horse's mouth.

Collecting notes

  • Hands are carved separately and frequently replaced. A replacement can change the apparent identity of a figure, so compare the carving and finish of the hands with the body.
  • Missing fingers are among the most common repairs on old figures.

In the collection

Browse seated buddhas and the Buddhist Statues and Sacred Art collection. Our curator desk can help read the hands of a figure you are considering.

See also

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