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{{short description|Symbolic gestures in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism}}
{{about|the use of mudra in Indic religion}}
[[File:Shiva as the Lord of Dance LACMA.jpg|thumb|A 10th century [[Chola dynasty]] bronze sculpture of the Hindu god [[Nataraja]] ([[Shiva]]) posing various mudras]]
[[File:WLA lacma Buddha Shakyamuni ca 850 Gaya District.jpg|thumb|Indian Buddha Shakyamuni statue making the ''bhūmisparśa'' or "earth witness" mudra, {{circa|850}}]]
[[File:白描印相図巻-Scroll of Mudras MET DP234314.jpg|thumb|12th-century Japanese scroll showing different mudra gestures]]

A '''mudra''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=en-us-mudra-2.ogg|m|u|ˈ|d|r|ɑː}}; {{lang-sa|मुद्रा}}, {{IAST3|''mudrā''}}, "seal", "mark", or "gesture"; {{bo|t=ཕྱག་རྒྱ་|s=chakgya}}) is a symbolic or ritual gesture or pose in [[Hinduism]], [[Jainism]] and [[Buddhism]].<ref>''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]''. (2010). [https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/396017/mudra "mudra (symbolic gestures)"]. Retrieved October 11, 2010.</ref> While some mudras involve the entire body, most are performed with the hands and fingers.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://faculty.washington.edu/prem/mw/m.html |title=Word ''mudrā'' on Monier-William Sanskrit-English on-line dictionary: "N. of partic. positions or intertwinings of the fingers (24 in number, commonly practised in religious worship, and supposed to possess an occult meaning and magical efficacy ''Daś'' (''Daśakumāra-carita''). ''Sarvad''. ''Kāraṇḍ''. RTL. 204; 406)" |access-date=2012-05-13 |archive-date=2012-12-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203191432/http://faculty.washington.edu/prem/mw/m.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

As well as being spiritual gestures employed in the [[iconography]] and [[spiritual practice]] of [[Indian religions]], mudras have meaning in many forms of [[Indian dance]], and [[yoga]]. The range of mudras used in each field (and religion) differs, but with some overlap. In addition, many of the Buddhist mudras are used outside [[South Asia]], and have developed different local forms elsewhere.

In [[hatha yoga]], mudras are used in conjunction with [[pranayama]] (yogic breathing exercises), generally while in a seated posture, to stimulate different parts of the body involved with breathing and to affect the flow of [[prana]]. It is also associated with [[bindu (symbol)|bindu]], [[bodhicitta]], [[amrita]], or consciousness in the body. Unlike older tantric mudras, hatha yogic mudras are generally internal actions, involving the pelvic floor, diaphragm, throat, eyes, tongue, anus, genitals, abdomen, and other parts of the body. Examples of this diversity of mudras are [[Mula Bandha]], [[Mahamudra (Hatha Yoga)|Mahamudra]], [[Viparita Karani]], [[Khecarī mudrā]], and [[Vajroli mudra]]. These expanded in number from 3 in the ''[[Amritasiddhi]]'', to 25 in the ''[[Gheranda Samhita]]'', with a classical set of ten arising in the ''[[Hatha Yoga Pradipika]]''.

Mudra is used in the [[iconography]] of [[Hinduism|Hindu]] and [[Buddhist art]] of the [[Indian subcontinent]] and described in the scriptures, such as [[Natya Shastra|Nātyaśāstra]], which lists 24 ''{{IAST|asaṁyuta}}'' ("separated", meaning "one-hand") and 13 ''{{IAST|saṁyuta}}'' ("joined", meaning "two-hand") mudras. Mudra positions are usually formed by both the hand and the fingers. Along with ''[[asana|āsanas]]'' ("seated postures"), they are employed statically in the [[meditation]] and dynamically in the {{IAST|Nāṭya}} practice of Hinduism.

Hindu and Buddhist iconography share some mudras. In some regions, for example [[Iconography of Gautama Buddha in Laos and Thailand|in Laos and Thailand]], these are distinct but share related iconographic conventions.

According to [[Jamgon Kongtrul|Jamgön Kongtrül]] in his commentary on the ''[[Hevajra|Hevajra Tantra]]'', the ornaments of [[wrathful deities]] and witches made of human bones (Skt: {{IAST|aṣṭhimudrā}}; {{bo|w=rus pa'i rgyan phyag rgya}}) are also known as mudra "seals".<ref>[[Jamgon Kongtrul|Kongtrul, Jamgön]] (author); (English translators: Guarisco, Elio; McLeod, Ingrid) (2005). ''The Treasury of Knowledge (shes bya kun la khyab pa’i mdzod). Book Six, Part Four: Systems of Buddhist Tantra, The Indestructibe Way of Secret Mantra''. Bolder, Colorado, USA: Snow Lion Publications. {{ISBN|1-55939-210-X}} (alk.paper) p.493</ref>

==Etymology and nomenclature==
The word mudrā has [[Sanskrit]] roots. According to scholar [[Sir Monier Monier-Williams]] it means "seal" or "any other instrument used for sealing".<ref name="Monier-Williams1872">{{cite book|last=Monier-Williams|first=Monier|authorlink=Monier Monier-Williams|chapter=Mudra|title=A Sanskrit-English Dictionary|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_3NWAAAAcAAJ|year=1872|publisher=Clarendon}}</ref>

==Buddhist Iconography==
{{main|Iconography of Gautama Buddha in Laos and Thailand}}

A Buddha image can have one of several common mudras, combined with different asanas. The main mudras used represent specific moments in the life of the [[Lord Buddha|Buddha]], and are shorthand depictions of these.

=== Abhaya Mudrā ===
{{Also see|Leela attitude|Abhayamudra}}

The ''[[Abhayamudra]]'' "gesture of fearlessness"<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Buswell|editor1-first=Robert Jr.|editor1-link=Robert Buswell Jr.|title=Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism.|date=2013|publisher=Princeton University Press|location=Princeton, NJ|isbn=9780691157863|page=2}}</ref> represents protection, peace, benevolence and the dispelling of fear. In [[Theravada|Theravada Buddhism]] it is usually made while standing with the right arm bent and raised to shoulder height, the palm facing forward, the fingers closed, pointing upright and the left hand resting by the side. In Thailand and Laos, this mudra is associated with the ''[[Leela attitude|Walking Buddha]]'', sometime also shown having both hands making a double abhaya mudra that is uniform.

This mudra was probably used before the onset of Buddhism as a symbol of good intentions proposing friendship when approaching strangers. In [[Gandharan art]], it is seen when showing the action of preaching. It was also used in China during the [[Northern Wei|Wei]] and [[Sui dynasty|Sui]] eras of the 4th and 7th centuries.

This gesture was used by the Buddha when attacked by an elephant, subduing it as shown in several [[fresco]]es and scripts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.renown-travel.com/mudras/abhaya.html |title=Abhaya Mudra Gesture of Dispelling Fear |author= |access-date=2019-02-03 |quote=One day the Buddha walked through a village. Devadatta fed alcohol to a particularly furious elephant named Nalagiri and had him attack the Buddha. The raging bull stormed towards the Buddha, who reached out his hand to touch the animal’s trunk. The elephant sensed the metta, the loving kindness of the Buddha, which calmed him down immediately. The animal stopped in front of the Buddha and bowed on his knees in submission.}}</ref>

In [[Mahayana|Mahayana Buddhism]], the deities are often portrayed as pairing the Abhaya Mudrā with another Mudrā using the other hand.

===Bhūmisparśa Mudrā===
{{also see|Maravijaya attitude}}
The ''bhūmisparśa'' or "earth witness" mudra of [[Gautama Buddha]] is one of the most common iconic images of Buddhism. Other names include "Buddha calling the earth to witness", and "earth-touching". It depicts the story from Buddhist legend of the moment when Buddha attained complete [[Enlightenment in Buddhism|enlightenment]], with Buddha sitting in meditation with his left hand, palm upright, in his lap, and his right hand touching the earth. In the legend, Buddha was challenged by the evil one, [[Mara (demon)|Mara]], who argue for a witness to attest his right to achieve it. In response to Mara, Buddha touched the ground, and [[Phra Mae Thorani]], the earth goddess, appeared to be the witnesses for the Buddha's enlightenment.<ref>{{cite book|last=Shaw|first=Miranda Eberle|title=Buddhist Goddesses of India|publisher=Princeton University Press|year=2006|pages=[https://archive.org/details/buddhistgoddesse00shaw/page/17 17]–27|isbn=978-0-691-12758-3|url=https://archive.org/details/buddhistgoddesse00shaw|url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>Vessantara, ''Meeting the Buddhas: A Guide to Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Tantric Deities'', pp. 74-76, 1993, Windhorse Publications, {{ISBN|0904766535}}, 9780904766530, [https://books.google.com/books?id=-O3Khal6UMcC&pg=PA77 google books]</ref>

In East Asia, this mudra (also called the [[Maravijaya attitude]]) may show Buddha's fingers not reaching as far as the ground, as is usual in Burmese or Indian depictions.

===Bodhyangi Mudrā===

The ''Bodhyangi mudrā'', the "mudrā of the six elements," or the "fist of wisdom,"<ref name="LLD.Charles2014">{{cite book|author1=T.W. Rhys Davids Ph.D. LLD.|author2=Victoria Charles|title=1000 Buddhas of Genius|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jV3vBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA515|date=24 November 2014|publisher=Parkstone International|isbn=978-1-78310-463-5|pages=515}}</ref> is a gesture entailing the left-hand index finger being grasped with the right hand. It is commonly seen on statues of the [[Vairocana]] Buddha.

===Dharmachakra Pravartana Mudrā===

The Buddha preached his first sermon after his Enlightenment in Deer Park in [[Sarnath]]. The [[dharmachakra]] Pravartana or "turning of the wheel"<ref>[http://www.buddhas-online.com/mudras.html explanation of Buddhist Mudras]</ref> mudrā represents that moment. In general, only Gautama Buddha is shown making this mudrā except [[Maitreya]] as the dispenser of the Law. Dharmachakra mudrā is two hands close together in front of the chest in [[vitarka]] with the right palm forward and the left palm upwards, sometimes facing the chest.
There are several variants such as in the [[Ajanta Caves]] frescoes, where the two hands are separated and the fingers do not touch. In the [[Indo-Greek Kingdom|Indo-Greek style]] of [[Gandhara]], the clenched fist of the right hand seemingly overlies the fingers joined to the thumb on the left hand. In pictorials of [[Hōryū-ji]] in Japan the right hand is superimposed on the left. Certain figures of [[Amitābha]] are seen using this mudra before the 9th century in Japan.

===Dhyāna Mudrā===
{{See also|Meditation attitude}}

The ''[[Dhyāna in Buddhism|dhyāna]] mudrā'' ("meditation mudra") is the gesture of meditation, of the concentration of the Good Law and the [[sangha]]. The two hands are placed on the lap, right hand on left with fingers fully stretched (four fingers resting on each other and the thumbs facing upwards towards one another diagonally), palms facing upwards; in this manner, the hands and fingers form the shape of a triangle, which is symbolic of the spiritual fire or the [[Refuge (Buddhism)|Three Jewels]].
This mudra is used in representations of [[Gautama Buddha]] and [[Amitābha]]. Sometimes the dhyāna mudrā is used in certain representations of {{IAST|Bhaiṣajyaguru}} as the "Medicine Buddha", with a medicine bowl placed on the hands. It originated in India most likely in [[Gandhāra]] and in China during the [[Northern Wei]].

It is heavily used in Southeast Asia in [[Theravada|Theravada Buddhism]]; however, the thumbs are placed against the palms. Dhyāna mudrā is also known as "[[samadhi|samādhi]] mudrā" or "yoga mudrā", {{cjkv|p=[Chán]dìng yìn|r=jōin, jōkai jōin{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}|c=禅定印}}.

The ''mida no jōin'' (弥陀定印) is the Japanese name of a variation of the dhyāna mudra, where the index fingers are brought together with the thumbs. This was predominantly used in Japan in an effort to distinguish Amitābha (hence "mida" from Amida) from the Vairocana Buddha,<ref>''[[Japanese Architecture and Art Net Users System]]''. [http://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/m/midanojouin.htm "JAANUS / mida-no-jouin 弥陀定印"]. Retrieved 2 July 2016.</ref> and was rarely used elsewhere.

=== Varada Mudrā ===

The ''[[Varadamudra|Varadamudrā]]'' "generosity gesture" signifies offering, welcome, charity, giving, compassion and sincerity. It is nearly always shown made with the left hand by a revered figure devoted to human salvation from greed, anger and delusion. It can be made with the arm crooked and the palm offered slightly turned up or in the case of the arm facing down the palm presented with the fingers upright or slightly bent. The Varada mudrā is rarely seen without another mudra used by the right hand, typically abhaya mudrā. It is often confused with vitarka mudrā, which it closely resembles. In China and Japan during the [[Northern Wei]] and [[Asuka period]]s, respectively, the fingers are stiff and then gradually begin to loosen as it developed over time, eventually leading to the [[Tang dynasty]] standard where the fingers are naturally curved.

In [[India]], varada mudra is used by both seated and standing figures, of Buddha and boddhisattvas and other figures, and in Hindu art is especially associated with [[Vishnu]]. It was used in images of [[Avalokiteśvara]] from [[Gupta art]] (4th and 5th centuries) onwards. Varada mudrā is extensively used in the statues of [[Southeast Asia]].

===Vajra Mudrā===

The ''[[Vajra]] mudrā'' "thunder gesture" is the gesture of knowledge.<ref>{{cite book|last1=written|last2=Beer|first2=illustrated by Robert|title=The handbook of tibetan buddhist symbols|date=2003|publisher=Serindia|location=Chicago (Ill.)|isbn=978-1932476033|page=228|edition=1st}}</ref>

===Vitarka Mudrā===

The ''Vitarka mudrā'' "mudra of discussion" is the gesture of discussion and transmission of Buddhist teaching. It is done by joining the tips of the thumb and the index together, and keeping the other fingers straight very much like the abhaya and varada mudrās but with the thumbs touching the index fingers. This mudra has a great number of variants in [[Mahayana|Mahayana Buddhism]]. In [[Tibetan Buddhism]], it is the mystic gesture of [[Tara (Buddhism)|Tārā]]s and [[bodhisattva]]s with some differences by the deities in [[Yab-Yum]]. Vitarka mudrā is also known as ''Vyākhyāna mudrā'' ("mudra of explanation"). This is also called as chin-mudra.<ref> https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Mudras_of_Yoga/NacaAwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=chin+mudra&printsec=frontcover </ref>

===Jñāna Mudrā===
{{anchor|Jnana Mudra}}
{{see also|Jnana yoga}}

The ''Jñāna mudrā'' ("mudra of wisdom") is done by touching the tips of the thumb and the index together, forming a circle, and the hand is held with the palm inward towards the heart.<ref>For translation of ''{{IAST|jñānamudrā}}'' as "gesture of knowledge" see: {{Harvnb|Stutley|2003|p=60}}.</ref> The mudra represents [[Moksha|spiritual enlightenment]] in the [[Indian religions|indian-origin religions]]. Sometimes [[sadhu]]s chose to be buried alive in this [[samadhi]] position. A 2700 old skeleton arranged like this was found at [[Balathal#Yogi|Balathal]] in Rajasthan, suggesting that something like yoga may have existed at that time.<ref name="Shearer 2020">{{cite book |last=Shearer |first=Alistair |title=[[The Story of Yoga]]: From Ancient India to the Modern West |date=2020 |publisher=Hurst Publishers |location=London |isbn=978-1-78738-192-6 |page=19}}</ref>

===Karana Mudrā===

The ''karana mudrā'' is the mudra which expels demons and removes obstacles such as sickness or negative thoughts. It is made by raising the index and the little finger, and folding the other fingers. It is nearly the same as the Western "[[sign of the horns]]", the difference is that in the Karana mudra the thumb does not hold down the middle and ring finger. This mudra is also known as ''tarjanī mudrā.''

===Gallery===
<gallery mode="packed" heights="185px">
File:「연가 칠년」이 새겨진 금동불입상 02 (cropped).jpg|[[Korea]]'s National Treasure 119. The right hand shows [[abhayamudra]] while the left is in the [[varadamudra]].
File:Buddha sitting-MGR Lyon-IMG 9878 (cropped).jpg|upright|The Buddha sitting in bhūmisparśa mudrā. Birmany. White marble with traces of polychromy. [[Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière]]
File:철원_도피안사_철조비로자나불좌상.jpg|upright|Bodhyangi Mudrā
File:Buddha in Sarnath Museum (Dhammajak Mutra).jpg|upright|A statue of the Buddha from [[Sarnath]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], India, 4th century CE. The Buddha is depicted teaching, while making the Dharmacakra Pravartana mudrā.
File:Amitabha_of_Phat_Tich_pagoda_(reproduction),_Bac_Ninh_province,_1057_AD_DSC04844.JPG|upright|Reproduction of the [[Amitābha]] statue of [[Phật Tích Temple]], [[Hanoi]], demonstrating the [[Dhyāna in Buddhism|dhyāna]] mudrā
File:VajraMudra.JPG|upright|Vajra Mudrā
File:VitarkaMudra.JPG|upright|Vitarka mudrā, [[Tarim Basin]], 9th century
File:Pressapochista14 Karana Mudra.jpg|[[Joseon]] figure displays the karana mudrā.
</gallery>

==Indian classical dance==
{{See also|List of mudras (dance)}}
In [[Indian classical dance]] and derived dances (such as [[Royal Ballet of Cambodia|Khmer]], [[Dance in Thailand|Thai]] or [[Balinese dance|Balinese]]),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://disco.teak.fi/asia/thai-classical-dance/|title=Thai Classical Dance | Asian Traditional Theatre & Dance|date=2 October 2017}}</ref> the term "Hasta Mudra" is used. The ''[[Natya Shastra]]'' describes 24 mudras, while the ''Abhinaya Darpana'' of [[Nandikeshvara]] gives 28.<ref>Devi, Ragini. ''[https://archive.org/details/dancedialectsofi0000ragi Dance dialects of India]''. Motilal Banarsidass Publ., 1990. {{ISBN|81-208-0674-3}}. Pp. 43.</ref> In all their forms of Indian classical dance, the mudras are similar, though the names and uses vary. There are 28 (or 32) root mudras in [[Bharatanatyam]], 24 in [[Kathakali]] and 20 in [[Odissi]]. These root mudras are combined in different ways, like one hand, two hands, arm movements, body and facial expressions. In [[Kathakali]], which has the greatest number of combinations, the vocabulary adds up to c. 900. Sanyukta mudras use both hands and asanyukta mudras use one hand.<ref>{{harvnb|Barba|Savarese|1991|pp=136}}</ref> In Thai dances, there are 9 mudras.

{{anchor|Yogic seal}}

== Yoga ==
[[File:Ashwini mudra.JPG|thumb|An example of mudras being utilized as a yogic practice.]]
{{further|List of mudras (yoga)|Bandha (yoga)}}
[[File:Jogapradipika 29 Viparitakarana.jpg|thumb|upright|The different yoga mudras involve different parts of the body and correspondingly diverse procedures, generally to retain the vital energy of [[prana]]. In [[Viparita Karani]], the body is inverted to allow [[gravity]] to retain the bindu. Illustrated manuscript of the ''[[Joga Pradipika]]'', 1830]]

The classical sources for the yogic seals are the ''[[Gheranda Samhita]]'' and the ''[[Hatha Yoga Pradipika]]''.<ref name=APMB1997>{{cite book|last=Saraswati|first=Satyananda|title=Asana Pranayama Mudrā Bandha|year=1997|publisher=Bihar Yoga Bharti|location=Munger, Bihar India|isbn=81-86336-04-4|page=422}}</ref> The ''Hatha Yoga Pradipika'' states the importance of mudras in yoga practice: "Therefore the <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Kundalini]]<nowiki>]</nowiki> goddess sleeping at the entrance of Brahma's door [at the base of the spine] should be constantly aroused with all effort, by performing mudra thoroughly." In the 20th and 21st centuries, the yoga teacher [[Satyananda Saraswati]], founder of the [[Bihar School of Yoga]], continued to emphasize the importance of mudras in his instructional text ''Asana, Pranayama, Mudrā, Bandha''.<ref name=APMB1997/>

=== Hand Gestures ===
There are numerous hand gesture ''mudras'' in yoga. Each of the hand gestures is based on the concept of the five elements as they relate to one's fingers.

=== Hatha Yoga ===
The yoga mudras are diverse in the parts of the body involved and in the procedures required, as in [[Mula Bandha]],{{sfn|Mallinson|Singleton|2017|pp=242}} [[Mahamudra (Hatha Yoga)|Mahamudra]],{{sfn|Mallinson|Singleton|2017|pp=237-238, 241}} [[Viparita Karani]],{{sfn|Mallinson|Singleton|2017|pp=242, 245}} [[Khecarī mudrā]],{{sfn|Mallinson|Singleton|2017|pp=241, 244-245}} and [[Vajroli mudra]].{{sfn|Mallinson|Singleton|2017|pp=242, 250-252}}

==== Mula Bandha ====
{{main|Mula Bandha}}
[[File:Mode of action of Mudras.svg|thumb|upright=1.25|Mode of action of mudras, serving to trap energy-fluids (breath, prana, bindu, amrita) and thus help to unblock the central [[sushumna]] channel{{sfn|Mallinson|Singleton|2017|pp=Chapter 6, especially pages 228–229}}]]

Mula Bandha, the Root Lock, consists of pressing one heel into the anus, generally in a cross-legged seated asana, and contracting the [[perineum]], forcing the prana to enter the central [[sushumna]] channel.{{sfn|Mallinson|Singleton|2017|pp=242}}

==== Mahamudra ====
{{main|Mahamudra (Hatha Yoga)}}

Mahamudra, the Great Seal, similarly has one heel pressed into the perineum; the chin is pressed down to the chest in [[Jalandhara Bandha]], the Throat Lock, and the breath is held with the body's upper and lower openings both sealed, again to force the prana into the sushumna channel.{{sfn|Mallinson|Singleton|2017|pp=237-238, 241}}

==== Viparita Karani ====
{{main|Viparita Karani}}

Viparita Karani, the Inverter, is a posture with the head down and the feet up, using gravity to retain the prana. Gradually the time spent in the posture is increased until it can be held for "three hours". The practice is claimed by the ''Dattatreyayogashastra'' to destroy all diseases and to banish grey hair and wrinkles.{{sfn|Mallinson|Singleton|2017|pp=242, 245}}

==== Khechari mudra ====
{{main|Khecarī mudrā}}

Khecarī mudrā, the Khechari Seal, consists of turning back the tongue "into the hollow of the skull",{{sfn|Mallinson|Singleton|2017|pp=241, 244-245}} sealing in the ''[[Bindu (symbol)|bindu]]'' fluid so that it stops dripping down from the head and being lost, even when the yogi "embraces a passionate woman".{{sfn|Mallinson|Singleton|2017|pp=241, 244-245}} To make the tongue long and flexible enough to be folded back in this way, the ''Khecharividya'' exhorts the yogi to make a cut a hair's breadth deep in the [[frenulum of the tongue]] once a week. Six months of this treatment destroys the frenulum, leaving the tongue able to fold back; then the yogi is advised to practise stretching the tongue out, holding it with a cloth, to lengthen it, and to learn to touch each ear in turn, and the base of the chin. After six years of practice, which cannot be hurried, the tongue is said to become able to close the top end of the sushumna channel.{{sfn|Mallinson|Singleton|2017|pp=247-249}}

==== Vajroli mudra ====
{{main|Vajroli mudra}}

Vajroli mudra, the Vajroli Seal, requires the yogi to preserve the [[semen]], either by learning not to release it, or if released by drawing it up through the [[urethra]] from the [[vagina]] of "a woman devoted to the practice of yoga".{{sfn|Mallinson|Singleton|2017|pp=242–243, 250-252}}

==Martial arts==
{{See also|Origins of Asian martial arts}}

Some [[List of martial arts#Asia|Asian martial arts]] forms contain positions (Japanese: ''in'') identical to these mudras.<ref>{{Harvnb|Johnson|2000|p=48}}.</ref> [[Tendai]] and [[Shingon Buddhism]] derived the supposedly powerful gestures from Mikkyo Buddhism, still to be found in many [[Ko-ryū]] ("old") martial arts ''[[Ryū (school)|Ryū]]'' (schools) founded before the 17th century. For example the "knife hand" or ''shuto'' gesture is subtly concealed in some Koryu kata, and in Buddhist statues, representing the sword of enlightenment.<ref name="Muromoto, Wayne 2007">Muromoto, Wayne (2003) ''[http://www.furyu.com/onlinearticles/mudra.html Mudra in the Martial Arts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215031615/http://www.furyu.com/onlinearticles/mudra.html |date=2007-12-15 }}''. . Retrieved December 20, 2007.</ref>

==See also==
* [[Reflexology]]
* [[Chironomia]]
* [[Gesticulation in Italian]]
* [[List of mudras (yoga)]]
* [[List of mudras (dance)]]
* [[Iconography of Gautama Buddha in Laos and Thailand]]
* [[Mahamudra]]
* [[Naga Prok attitude]]
* [[Tea ceremony]]
* [[Pranāma]]
* [[Yogamudrasana]], a variant of lotus pose that is both an asana and a mudra
* [[Kuji-in]]
* [[Kuji-kiri]]
* [[Pranahuti (Yogic Transmission)|Pranahuti]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|30em}}

==References==
* {{cite book | last1=Barba | first1=Eugenio | last2=Savarese | first2=Nicola | year=1991 | title=A dictionary of theatre anthropology: the secret art of the performer | place=London, United Kingdom | publisher= Routledge | isbn=0-415-05308-0 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=31WqQLGeXRIC | page=136 }}
* Draeger, Donn (1980). "Esoteric Buddhism in Japanese Warriorship", in: No. 3. 'Zen and the Japanese Warrior' of the ''International Hoplological Society Donn F. Draeger Monograph Series''. The DFD monographs are transcriptions of lectures presented by Donn Draeger in the late 1970s and early 1980s at the University of Hawaii and at seminars in Malaysia.
* {{cite book | last=Johnson | first=Nathan J. | year=2000 | title=Barefoot Zen: The Shaolin Roots of Kung Fu and Karate | place=York Beach, USA | publisher= Weiser | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CtzgSZrTv64C | isbn=1-57863-142-4 }}
* {{cite book | last1=Mallinson | first1=James |author1-link=James Mallinson (author) |last2=Singleton |first2=Mark |author2-link=Mark Singleton (yoga teacher) | title=[[Roots of Yoga]] | publisher=Penguin Books | year=2017 | isbn=978-0-241-25304-5 | oclc=928480104 }}
* {{cite book| last=Stutley | first=Margaret | year=2003 | orig-year=1985 | title=The Illustrated Dictionary of Hindu Iconography | place=New Delhi | publisher= Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers | edition=First Indian | isbn=81-215-1087-2 }}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin|40em}}
* [[E. Dale Saunders|Saunders, Ernest Dale]] (1985). ''Mudra: A Study of Symbolic Gestures in Japanese Buddhist Sculpture''. Princeton University Press. {{ISBN|978-0-691-01866-9}}.
* Hirschi, Gertrud. ''[https://web.archive.org/web/20140120095158/http://www.scribd.com/doc/17928000/Mudras-Yoga-in-Your-Hands Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands]''.
* Taisen Miyata: ''A study of the ritual mudras in the Shingon tradition: A phenomenological study on the eighteen ways of esoteric recitation in the Koyasan tradition''. Publisher s.n.
* Acharya Keshav Dev: ''Mudras for Healing; Mudra Vigyan: A Way of Life''. Acharya Shri Enterprises, 1995. {{ISBN|9788190095402}} .
* Gauri Devi: ''Esoteric Mudras of Japan''. International. Academy of Indian Culture & Aditya Prakashan, 1999. {{ISBN|9788186471562}}.
* Lokesh Chandra & Sharada Rani: ''Mudras in Japan''. Vedams Books, 2001. {{ISBN|9788179360002}}.
* Emma I. Gonikman: ''Taoist Healing Gestures''. YBK Publishers, Inc., 2003. {{ISBN|9780970392343}}.
* Fredrick W. Bunce: ''Mudras in Buddhist and Hindu Practices: An Iconographic Consideration''. DK Printworld, 2005. {{ISBN|9788124603123}}.
* A. S. Umar Sharif: ''Unlocking the Healing Powers in Your Hands: The 18 Mudra System of Qigong''. Scholary, Inc, 2006. {{ISBN|978-0963703637}}.
* Dhiren Gala: ''Health at Your Fingertips: Mudra Therapy, a Part of Ayurveda Is Very Effective Yet Costs Nothing''. Navneet, 2007. {{ISBN|9788124603123}}.
* K. Rangaraja Iyengar: ''The World of Mudras/Health Related and other Mudras''. Sapna Book house, 2007. {{ISBN|9788128006975}}.
* Suman K Chiplunkar: ''Mudras & Health Perspectives: An Indian Approach''. Abhijit Prakashana, 2008. {{ISBN|9788190587440}}.
* Acharya Keshav Dev: ''Healing Hands (Science of Yoga Mudras)''. Acharya Shri Enterprises, 2008. {{ISBN|9788187949121}}.
* Cain Carroll and Revital Carroll: ''Mudras of India: A Comprehensive Guide to the Hand Gestures of Yoga and Indian Dance''. Singing Dragon, 2012. {{ISBN|9781848190849}}.
* Joseph and Lilian Le Page: ''Mudras for Healing and Transformation''. Integratieve Yoga Therapy, 2013. {{ISBN|978-0-9744303-4-8}}.
* Toki, Hôryû; Kawamura, Seiichi, tr. (1899). [https://archive.org/details/sidoindzougeste00millgoog "Si-do-in-dzou; gestes de l'officiant dans les cérémonies mystiques des sectes Tendaï et Singon"], Paris, E. Leroux.
* Adams, Autumn: ''The Little Book of Mudra Meditations''. Rockridge Press, 2020. {{ISBN|9781646114900}}.
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Mudras}}
{{Wiktionary}}
* [https://stonemartindia.com/10-buddha-mudras-hand-gestures-with-meaning 10 Buddha Mudras, Hand Gestures With Meaning]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20180818184425/https://www.exoticindiaart.com/article/mudras/ Mudras of the Great Buddha: Symbolic Gestures and Postures]
* [http://www.webindia123.com/dances/abhinaya/angika%20bhinaya/asamyukta.htm Mudras in Indian Dance]
* [https://www.thestonestudio.in/meaning-of-mudras/ Meaning of Mudras]
* [http://www.buddhas-online.com/mudras.html Mudras in the Buddhist tradition]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081007063351/http://www.buzzle.com/articles/about-mudras.html About mudras]

{{Gestures}}
{{Buddhism topics}}
{{Meditation}}
{{Yoga}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Buddhist rituals]]
[[Category:Gestures]]
[[Category:Hand gestures]]
[[Category:Hindu philosophical concepts]]
[[Category:Mudras| ]]
[[Category:Indian iconography]]
[[Category:Buddhist iconography]]
[[Category:Japanese martial arts terminology]]
[[Category:Vajrayana]]
[[Category:Sanskrit words and phrases]]
[[Category:Hatha yoga]]

Mudra - Revision history

Svetlanafvq: improve intro per sources and cleaned formatting based on references

Bharatwiki Socrates: Created page with "{{short description|Symbolic gestures in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism}} {{about|the use of mudra in Indic religion}} A 10th century [[Chola dynasty bronze sculpture of the Hindu god Nataraja (Shiva) posing various mudras]] 850}} File:白描印相..."