Seated Buddha
Dharmachakra mudra; turning the wheel of dharma
cast bronze
measures : 5.5 ” tall x 4” wide x 2.5” deep
N 2011
The Dharmachakra mudra is also known as gesture of Teaching of the Wheel of Dharma. This gesture depicts one of the most important moment in the Buddha's life as he performed the Dharmachakra mudra in his first sermon in Sarnath after he attained enlightenment.
Dharmachakra, in Sanskrit means the wheel of Dharma. Thus, the Dharmachakra Mudra represents the setting into motion of the wheel of the teaching of the Dharma.
The Dharmachakra mudra is formed when the thumb and index finger of both the hands touch at their tips to form a circle. This particular circle symbolizes the Wheel of Dharma. Similarly, this circle also means, in the metaphysical term, the union of method or Upaya and wisdom or Prajna. Both the hands are held against the chest in Vitarka, while the left hand is facing inward which covers the right hand facing outward. The three remaining fingers of both the hands remain extended and they have their own symbolic importance: The middle finger of the right hand represents the 'hearers' of the teachings of the Buddha, the index finger represents the 'realizers’ of the teachings and the little finger represents the Mahayana or 'the great vehicle. Similarly, the three extended fingers of the left hand represent the three jewels of the Buddhist principles. They are: the Buddha, theDharma and the Sangha. As the gesture is performed with the hands held in front of the left side of the chest, or in front of the heart, the Dharmachakra mudra represent the teachings are straight from the Buddha's heart.
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