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Bhumisparsha Mudra
The hand descends and touches the ground. The Earth is called as witness and the work in the world is acknowledged.
- Meaning
- Seal of Touching the Earth
- Tradition
- Buddhist iconography: the Buddha calls the Earth to witness at his enlightenment; the seal of Akshobhya
- Hands
- One hand touches the Earth; the other rests
- Placement
- Seated; right hand over the right knee, left hand in the lap.
- Associations
- The Earth; the base of the body.
- Level
- Intermediary
Formation
- Let the right hand rest over the right knee, palm turned inward.
- Extend the fingers downward until they touch the ground.
- Rest the left hand in the lap, palm up.
Example Meditation
Sit with the left hand in the lap and let the fingers of the right hand touch the ground beside the right knee. Breathe slowly and feel the firmness of the Earth beneath you. The seal grounds the meditation and gives steadfastness under any assault.
Effects
PhysicalΣῶμα
- Grounding. The fingers touch the floor and the posture settles onto its base.
EmotionalΘυμός
- Steadfastness under assault. In the legend Mara assails the Buddha; the touch of the Earth ends the assault.
IntellectualΝοῦς
- Duty fulfilled. Read as fulfilling earthly obligations first in order to reach enlightenment.
SoulΨυχή
- Unity of self and world. Its meaning: the unity of the self and the world.
AscentἈνάβασις
- The witness. The Earth testifies to the work done. Zevism keeps the order of the ascent: the duties of the world are completed, then the soul rises.
Finger Key
| Finger | Element | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thumb | Fire | resting beside the index finger | relaxed |
| Index | Air | extended | relaxed, gently curved |
| Middle | Aether | extended | relaxed, gently curved |
| Ring | Earth | extended | relaxed, gently curved |
| Little | Water | extended | relaxed, gently curved |
Cautions and Variants
Variants. Classical images and Japanese sources (sokuchi-in) touch the earth with the right hand in front of the right knee; this form is shown. Some modern manuals reverse the hands: the left downward and the right raised like an open flower.
Gertrud Hirschi, Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands
The standard practical manual of the hand seals, with their indications and meditations. The Temple of Zeus recommends it as a purchase for every Zevist library, personal or communal.