Question

Lord Buddha's image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture, called 'Bhumiisparsha Mudra'. It signifies __________________________.

• A. Buddha's calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from distributing his meditation
• B. Buddha's calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptation of mara
• C. The gesture of debate or discussion/argument
• D. Both (a) and (b)

Answer 1

The correct option is D Both (a) and (b)

Bhumisparsha means 'touching the earth'. It is more commonly known as the 'Earth witness' mudra.This mudra, formed with all five fingers of the right hand extended to touch the ground. symbolizes the Buddha's enlightenment under the bodhi tree.