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Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes

,

Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes

(a)

Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation.

(b)

Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara.

(c)

Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory.

(d)

Both (a) and (b) are correct in this context

Answer:

(b)

Core Books/NCERT

Explanation

Option (b) is correct: Bhumisparsha means touching the earth. This mudra symbolizes Buddha’s calling of the Earth goddess Sthavara to bear witness to his enlightenment. It signifies Buddha’s purity and chastity despite Mara’s temptations. The gesture also represents his overcoming of Mara through meditation. The earth-touching gesture is also associated with the mudra of Akshobya, the ‘unshakable’ Buddha.