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Order III · Seals of the Divine Powers
Vitarka Mudra
वितर्क मुद्रा · vitarka mudrā · Σφραγὶς τοῦ Λόγου
Also: Jp. seppo-in
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The teaching hand. Thumb and index finger form a circle before the chest while the other fingers rise.
- Meaning
- Seal of Discourse
- Tradition
- Buddhist iconography; the Hindu vyakhyana (teaching) seal
- Hands
- Right hand raised
- Placement
- In front of the chest, closer to the body than Abhaya Mudra.
- Associations
- Heart; speech.
- Level
- Intermediary
Formation
- Raise the right hand to the chest, elbow bent.
- Join the tips of the thumb and index finger in a circle.
- Keep the middle, ring and little fingers extended upward.
- Turn the palm outward.
Example Meditation
Raise the right hand before the chest in the seal. Breathe calmly and contemplate a teaching you have received, as if explaining it to another. The seal supports clear discussion and the transmission of knowledge.
Effects
PhysicalΣῶμα
- Poised hand. The raised forearm and joined fingertips hold a light, alert tone in the arm.
EmotionalΘυμός
- Calm authority. The gesture of one who explains rather than commands.
IntellectualΝοῦς
- Discussion and transmission. It is the seal of discussion and of transmitting the teaching.
SoulΨυχή
- The flow of knowledge. The circle symbolizes the constant flow of energy and information.
AscentἈνάβασις
- The Logos. Zevism holds the Logos, first named by Heraclitus, as the eternal word of order. The teaching hand gives that Logos voice.
Finger Key
| Finger | Element | Right hand |
|---|---|---|
| Thumb | Fire | joins the index finger |
| Index | Air | joins the thumb |
| Middle | Aether | extended |
| Ring | Earth | extended |
| Little | Water | extended |
Cautions and Variants
Variants. In Japan the thumb may join the middle or ring finger instead of the index (JAANUS). The heart-level form of Jnana Mudra is called Vitarka by Buddhists.
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.