Meaning of the Buddha’s Earth Touching Pose
Known by many names, the ‘earth touching’ pose of the Buddha is the Bhumisparsha mudra, translates from Sanskrit to mean ‘touching the earth.’ A mudra is a motion or gesture of the hands and body to express a feeling or thought. Buddhist meditation rituals are based on the many different mudras. The earth touching pose is most often seen in statues of Buddha and is also referred to as the ‘earth witness’ mudra.
To perform this mudra, the hand is placed on the ground with all fingers touching. The palm faces inward. It is a symbol of the moment when Buddha summoned the Earth goddess to witness the moment in which he achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Occassionally, you may see this mudra referred to as ‘Summoning the Earth Goddess to Witness.’
In the earth touching pose, the right arm rests on the right knee with the fingers extended downward. This position is one of the most common mudras seen in Buddha statues. The left hand rests in the lap, palm up in the mudra of meditation (dhyana mudra). The combination of mudras is intended to symbolize the union of wisdom and method, Nirvana and Samasra. Buddhist teachings tell the tale of how Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, assumed the earth touching pose to resist against the temptations and distractions of the demon Mara who sought to lure the Buddha from his spiritual life. In Buddhist folklore, Mara was viewed as everything from an all powerful demon to a gremlin-like nuisance. This demon was a symbol of temptation who summoned beautiful temptresses to distract the Buddha from his spiritual journey much like the sirens of Greek Mythology
The earth touching pose is associated with Akshobhya, one of the Five Great Buddhas. He is a representation of confidence, determination and strength reflected in his depiction in the Bhumisparsha mudra (earth touching). The concept of the Five Great Buddhas was an evolution of the Buddhist theology. Initially only two existed, wisdom and compassion.
Akshobhya sits in the Eastern position and is thought to possess the mirror wisdom that converts anger to wisdom. He is associated with the element water which also has reflective properties.
The simple beauty of this mudra is a welcome reminder that temptation can be confronted by strength.
No related posts.
Now, I have a new mantra. Temptation can be confronted by strength. I definitely agree with this. I hope everyone does.
Thanks for sharing this information about Buddha. There are various poses seen in Buddha statues known as Mudras. Each Mudra has a religious and symbolic meaning and is associated with the Buddha’s teachings or path to enlightenment.
I was given a amulat depicting Buddha sitting in a lotus position and both hands, palms inwards, extending over the knees and fingers touching the ground.
I have never come across such hands position…pls. explain..tks.
The images of Buddha in this earth touching position had inspired me to study yoga. To achieve such serenity was something that I longed for.
In my opinion, the strength that comes from doing yoga shows in the physical and in the way one can control their emotions and reactions.
Thank you for sharing these insights and detailed instructions.