Bhumisparsha Mudra -Buddha Poem by Dr. Antony Theodore

Bhumisparsha Mudra

In all Buddha rupas (images)
the hands are done
in one of the formalized
mudra positions.

For example
Bhumisparsha Mudra
The bhumisparsha Buddha
is always depicted
in a seated position,
with the right hand resting
on the knee and fingers
pointing towards the earth.

The left hand rests on the lap
with the palm facing upwards.

‘Bhumisparsha' means
‘touching the earth'
or ‘calling the earth to witness'.

This mudra represents the moment
when Buddha became enlightened
underneath the Bodhi tree.

(Meaning and origin of the subduing Mara mudra
The posture refers to an important event in the life of the Buddha. The Buddha-to-be was meditating under a Bodhi tree. Just before reaching enlightenment Mara the demon arrived accompanied by his armies and his three beautiful daughters. Mara's armies attacked the Buddha while his attractive young daughters tried to distract and seduce the Buddha in order to stop him from meditating and reaching enlightenment.

The Buddha-to-be touched the Earth with his right hand, calling upon Mother Earth to be his witness. The earth Goddess Phra Mae Thorani appeared in the shape of a young, beautiful woman. By wringing the waters out of her long hair she drowned the armies of Mara, allowing the Buddha to continue meditating and reaching enlightenment. The story is seen depicted in murals in a great number of temples across Thailand.

Graphic: India. Bihar. Bodhgaya. Detail of Buddha hands in Bhumisparsha mudra...
Alamy
Detail of Buddha hands in Bhumisparsha mudra 'hand to ground' pose, google Bilder)