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Order III · Seals of the Divine Powers
Varada Mudra
वरद मुद्रा · varada mudrā · Σφραγὶς τῆς Χάριτος
Also: Jp. yogan-in
26
The open hand lowered with the palm forward. It grants wishes, mercy and forgiveness.
- Meaning
- Seal of Granting Grace
- Tradition
- Buddhist and Hindu iconography; the seal of Ratnasambhava among the Five Tathagatas
- Hands
- Left hand lowered; right hand at rest
- Placement
- Left hand lowered beside the body or over the knee.
- Associations
- Not stated.
- Level
- Intermediary
Formation
- Point the left hand downward.
- Turn the palm to the front, fingers extended.
- Place the right hand on the lap or the thigh.
Example Meditation
Lower the left hand, palm forward, and rest the right hand in the lap. Breathe out slowly and let go of every grievance held against others and against yourself. The open, lowered palm supports forgiveness and blessing.
Effects
PhysicalΣῶμα
- Released arm. The lowered hand lets the shoulder and arm hang free.
EmotionalΘυμός
- Forgiveness. Forgiveness of oneself and of others, and mercy.
IntellectualΝοῦς
- Letting go of grievance. Its visualization blows negative feelings into an object, which is then buried.
SoulΨυχή
- Blessing. The seal of blessing and of fulfilled wishes.
AscentἈνάβασις
- Χάρις. Grace descends from the Gods to those who ask rightly; the lowered palm is the channel of that gift.
Finger Key
| Finger | Element | Left hand |
|---|---|---|
| Thumb | Fire | resting beside the index finger |
| Index | Air | extended and held together |
| Middle | Aether | extended and held together |
| Ring | Earth | extended and held together |
| Little | Water | extended and held together |
Cautions and Variants
Variants. The left hand is used here; Buddhist images commonly show the right. Japanese sources describe all 5 fingers extended, hand lowered, palm forward.
Sources
Recommended for Every Zevist Library
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.