Gautam Buddha in Abhaya Mudra

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Abhaya in Sanskrit means fearlessness. Thus this mudra symbolizes protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear. It is made with the right hand raised to shoulder height, the arm crooked, the palm of the hand facing outward, and the fingers upright and joined. In Thailand, and especially in Laos, this mudra is associated with the movement of the walking (or standing) Buddha (also called 'the Buddha placing his footprint'). One such image can be viewed at the end of this description.

This mudra, which initially appears to be a natural gesture, was probably used from prehistoric times as a sign of good intentions - the hand raised and unarmed proposes friendship, or at least peace; since antiquity, it was also a gesture asserting power, as with the magna manus of the Roman Emperors who legislated and gave peace at the same time.

Buddhist tradition has an interesting legend behind this mudra:

Devadatta, a cousin of the Buddha, through jealousy caused a schism to be caused among the disciples of Buddha. As Devadatta's pride increased, he attempted to murder the Buddha. One of his schemes involved loosing a rampaging elephant into the Buddha's path. But as the elephant approached him, Buddha displayed the Abhaya mudra, which immediately calmed the animal. Accordingly, it indicates not only the appeasement of the senses, but also the absence of fear.

Of Related Interest:

Standing Buddha (Brass Statue)

Mudras of the Great Buddha: Symbolic Gestures and Postures (Article)

Shakyamuni Buddha in the Earth-Witness Gesture (Sterling Silver Finger Ring)

Shakyamuni Buddha in Dhyana Mudra (Sterling Silver Finger Ring)

Buddha in the Varada Mudra (Sterling Silver Box Pendant)

Gautam Buddha in Dhyana Mudra (Sterling Silver Box Pendant)

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