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Buddha
- Segan Semui-in
Mudras are a non-verbal mode of communication and self-expression,
consisting of hand gestures and finger-postures. They are symbolic
sign based finger patterns taking the place, but retaining the efficacy
of the spoken word, and are used to evoke in the mind ideas symbolizing
divine powers or the deities themselves. The composition of a mudra
is based on certain movements of the fingers; in other words, they
constitute a highly stylized form of gestureal communication. It is
an external expression of 'inner resolve', suggesting that such non-verbal
communications are more powerful than the spoken word.
A mudra is used not only to illustrate and emphasize the meaning of
an esoteric ritual. It also gives significance to a sculptural image,
a dance movement, or a meditative pose, intensifying their potency.
In its highest form, it is a magical art of symbolical gestures through
which the invisible forces may operate on the earthly sphere.
Here the Buddha, standing upon a doubly auspicious lotus pedestal,
makes with his right hand the Abhaya Mudra. Abhaya in Sanskrit means
fearlessness. Thus this mudra symbolizes protection, peace, and the
dispelling of fear. It is made with the right hand raised to shoulder
height, the arm crooked, the palm of the hand facing outward, and
the fingers upright and joined. In Thailand and Laos, this mudra is
associated with the movement of the walking Buddha (also called 'the
Buddha placing his footprint'). It is nearly always used in images
showing the Buddha upright, either immobile with the feet joined,
or walking (as in this case).
This mudra, which initially appears to be a natural gesture, was probably
used from prehistoric times as a sign of good intentions - the hand
raised and unarmed proposes friendship, or at least peace; since antiquity,
it was also a gesture asserting power, as with the magna manus of
the Roman Emperors who legislated and gave peace at the same time.
Buddhist tradition itself has an interesting legend behind this mudra:
Devadatta, a cousin of the Buddha, through jealousy caused a schism
to be caused among the disciples of Buddha. As Devadatta's pride increased,
he attempted to murder the Buddha. One of his schemes involved loosing
a rampaging elephant into the Buddha's path. But as the elephant approached
him, Buddha displayed the Abhaya mudra, which immediately calmed the
animal. Accordingly, it indicates not only the appeasement of the
senses, but also the absence of fear.
With his left hand the Buddha makes the Varada mudra, which symbolizes
charity, compassion and boon-granting. This mudra is rarely used alone,
but usually in combination with another made with the right hand,
most often the Abhaya mudra, as in this sculpture. This combination
of Abhaya and Varada mudras is called Segan Semui-in or Yogan Semui-in
in Japan.
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