Shakyamuni Tibetan buddha statue metal buddha statue

approx 8cms high
180 gms

The varada, or gift giving, wish granting, gesture is made mostly by Buddhas and bodhisattvas,

generally with the left hand but occasionally with the right.  In standing images the figure stands

with the left hand hanging at the side of the body with the palm open and facing forward. 

In seated images the arm is bent and rests on the knee with the open palm facing upwards. 

The gesture represents the wish of the Buddha or bodhisattva to devote itself to human salvation,

and symbolises charity, compassion and the fulfilment of wishes.

In one sutra Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, visited the kingdom of the dead

and on reaching the worst of the hells, stood with one hand in this mudra.  From the hand flowed

the water of life, which nourished and soothed the tormented souls in this hell.