What is the Buddha Dispelling Fear Position?
The Abhaya Mudra is referred to as the “pose of dispelling fear.” It is the Sanskrit word ‘fearlessness’ and this mudra or pose is commonly seen in Buddha statues. It symbolizes peace and protection and is believed to create energy that removes fear and doubt. This pose can be recognized by the position of the right arm. In the dispelling fear mudra, the palm of the hand faces out at shoulder height and the arm is slightly bent. This Buddhist symbol of courage emphasizes the spiritual power of the Buddha or bodhisattva who makes it. A bodhisattva is being who has achieved an enlightened state and embraced the Buddhahood. The mudra can also be thought of as a symbol of friendship as the hands are empty and weaponless. The position is often misinterpreted by Westerners as an indication to “stop, but” it really courage in the face of danger. Buddhist historians believe that the dispelling fear mudra was the gesture made by the Buddha Shakyamuni just after he achieved enlightenment. Storie
