Mudras at Tōdai-ji (東大寺)

Hand positions often have symbolic implications within religion. This is true for Buddhism as well. At Tōdai-ji, located in Nara, Japan, one can see an example on the Buddhas inside. 

The Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji (Dainichi Nyorai) sits the Dhyana (Meditation) pose, with his hands forming two gestures. The right hand is in a raised position, fingers extended out with the palm facing outwards. This is called the Abhaya Mudra, meaning fearlessness and protection. It symbolizes protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear. The left hand is a lowered position, with the palm open and facing up, with the fingers pointing towards the sky. This is a variant of the Varada Mudra, where the palm faces up instead of down. It emphasizes generosity and cosmic offering. It has also been suggested to symbolize offering the Dharma or possibly receiving spiritual energy to share with others. The upward-facing version is commonly seen in which Vairocana represents the cosmic source of all truth. Vairocana is the cosmic, universal Buddha (an embodiment of the Dharma itself) found within Mahayana and Esoteric Buddhism.


However, this one has the hand positions reversed. This is actually an unconventional version of Buddhist iconography; therefore, it isn't technically wrong but may have to do with their function. They are Bodhisattvas and they serve as attendants to Vairocana, helping to guide followers with compassion and wisdom.


The switch just shifts emphasis of the mudras, not the truth behind it. The left hand is displaying the Abhaya Mudra, which gives a symbolic interpretation of protection over the spiritual or mental realm, rather than protection from the outside world. The right hand is displaying the Varada Mura, which symbolizes the gesture of active compassion towards others and suggests engaging with the world.

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