The Bhumisparsha mudra is translated from Sanskrit into ‘earth touching.’ Mudras are positions or gesture of the body and hands designed to express a a thought or feeling without speech. Buddhist meditation rituals are based on the many different mudras. Buddha statues are often depicted in the earth touching mudra which is also known as ‘the earth witness’ position.
The earth touching mudra is performed by extending the five fingers of the right hand and placing them on the ground with the palm facing inward toward the body. It is symbolic of the moment when Buddha summoned the goddess, Shthavara to witness the moment in which he achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. For this reason, the pose is also known as ‘Summoning the Earth Goddess to Witness.’
Buddha statues in the earth touching mudra have the right arm resting on the right knee with the fingers of the hand extended downward. The left hand rests in the lap, palm up in the mudra of meditation (dhyana mudra). The combination of mudras is intended to symbolize the union of wisdom and method, Nirvana and Samasra. Buddhist teachings tell the tale of how Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, assumed the earth touching pose to resist against the temptations and distractions of the demon Mara who sought to lure the Buddha from his spiritual life. In Buddhist folklore, Mara was viewed as everything from an all powerful demon to a gremlin-like nuisance. This demon was a symbol of temptation who summoned beautiful temptresses to distract the Buddha from his spiritual journey much like the sirens of Greek Mythology
The earth touching pose is associated with Akshobhya, one of the Five Great Buddhas. Akshobhya is a manifestation of strength, confidence and determination and the use of the Bhumisparsha mudra is a reflection of that. The concept of the Five Great Buddhas was an evolution of the Buddhist theology. Initially only two existed, wisdom and compassion.
Akshobhya sits in the Eastern position and is thought to possess the mirror wisdom that converts anger to wisdom. He is associated with the element water, mirror-like itself and symbolic of Akshobhya’s ability to help people see things as they truly are.
The simple beauty of this mudra is a welcome reminder that temptation can be confronted by strength.
Incoming search terms:
- bhumisparsha mudra position
Related posts:
- Buddhist Meditation – Bringing Your Mind Tranquility and Insight In a hectic world that people live in today, many are stressed out after a hard day’s work. Some even get so tired that they lose their energy completely that...
- Buddhist Meditation In a hectic world that people live in today, many are stressed out after a hard day's work. Some even get so tired that they lose their energy completely that...
- The Postures of Meditation: The Daily Guide to Success During the ancient times until now, people practice meditation because of its provided advantages. Incorporating meditation as part of your daily life can make a big difference regarding your attitude...
Tags: ancient culture, Buddha, buddha statue, Buddhism, Buddhist, calling earth to witness, Chinese, Earth Goddess, earth touching, earth touching mudra, earth touching pose, Japan, Mara, mudra, mudras, Nepal, Shthvara, Tibet