Añjalimudrā

A Japanese statue of the Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta, displaying the Añjali Mudrā.

Indian statue showing a devotee displaying the Añjali Mudrā.

añjali[mudrā]. (T. thal mo sbyar ba; C. hezhang; J. gasshō; K. hapchang 合掌). Translated as “gesture of supplication”, “gesture of greeting”, etc. A mudra symbolizing offering, homage, supplication, etc.

The mudra is formed by joining the two hands together with the hands held straight upwards, palms and fingers on both hands touching each other. The hands are typically held at the level of the heart, or sometimes the forehead.

As a gesture, it is widely used as a sign of respect or a silent greeting in India and other parts of Asia. The gesture is used as a part of prayer or for worship in many religions in India and Asia.

Sources

• Buswell, Robert E.; Lopez, Donald S. (2014), The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism, Princeton University 

External links

• Añjali Mudrā, Wikipedia
• Añjali mudra, Rigpa Shedra Wiki
• ཐལ་མོ་སྦྱར་བ་, Christian-Steinert Dictionary