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Q97 (IAS/2012) History & Culture › Culture, Literature, Religion & Philosophy › Buddhist doctrine and sects Answer Verified

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

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: B
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 2. The Bhumisparsha Mudra, or the "earth-touching gesture," represents a pivotal moment in Buddhist iconography just before Siddhartha Gautama attained Enlightenment.

  • Significance of Option 2: As Buddha sat under the Bodhi tree, the demon Mara attempted to distract and tempt him with worldly desires and fear. Buddha touched the ground with his right hand, calling upon the Earth Goddess (Sthavira) to witness his numerous lifetimes of merit, purity, and chastity, thereby proving his worthiness to reach Buddhahood.
  • Why others are incorrect: While Mara did attempt to disturb his meditation, the specific symbolism of the mudra is focused on the testimony of the Earth regarding Buddha's past virtues (witnessing) rather than a mere request for protection (Option 1). Option 3 describes a philosophical concept of transience (Anicca) but is not the historical or symbolic meaning associated with this specific gesture.
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