Buddhist gesture

happyjourney

I've noticed in several pictures of sakyamuni buddha that he is making a gesture with his right hand. Over his heart, palm outwards and four-finger touching thumb. does this have a meaning or symbolise anything?

hermitwin

yes, it does.
but it only applies to mahayana.

genkaku

My wobbly understanding is that the placement of the hands always carries with it a significance. Here is one take on the various mudra: http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/mudra-japan.shtml

Floating_Abu

I've noticed in several pictures of sakyamuni buddha that he is making a gesture with his right hand. Over his heart, palm outwards and four-finger touching thumb. does this have a meaning or symbolise anything?

Like genkaku, another site that shows mudras and their representations (I find this one easier to view)

http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/mudra.html

happyjourney

thanks for the links, they are very helpful

Floating_Abu

Welcome @happyjourney!

Wishing you happy journey also