Dharmamudra, aka: Dharmamudrā, Dharma-mudra; 2 Definition(s)
Introduction
Dharmamudra means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Hinduism
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
Dharmamudrā (धर्ममुद्रा) or simply Dharma is the name of a mudrā described in the Īśvarasaṃhitā 50-53.—Accordingly, “the two hands are to be kept apart and then the index fingers are to be joined face to face; leaving this formation for the two middle fingers; the ring fingers shall be left out, this shall be done to the two little fingers. This shall be done to the two thumbs while forming each. These four mudrās are for dharma and others and adharma and others. The lotus that exists above them (dharma and others) was described before with mantras.”. Mūdra (eg., Dharmamudrā) is so called as it gives joy to the tattvas in the form of karman for those who offer spotless worship, drive out the defects which move about within and without and sealing up of what is done.
(Source): archive.org: Isvara Samhita Vol 5
Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Dharmamudrā (धर्ममुद्रा) refers to the “seal of the Dharma” according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XIV):
(Source): Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraThe person who thinks falls into Māra’s net,
The person who does not think finds escape (niḥsaraṇa).
Mental discursiveness is not the Path,
Non-discursiveness is the seal of the Dharma (dharmamudrā).
Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.
Relevant definitions
Search found 2378 related definition(s) that might help you understand this better. Below you will find the 15 most relevant articles:
| Dharma | Dharma (धर्म).—In Indian tradition, the concept of ṛta (cosmic order) gave rise to the idea of ... | |
| Mudra | Mudrā (मुद्रा) is the forty-second of sixty digits (decimal place) in an special enumeration sy... | |
| Abhayamudra | Abhayamudrā (अभयमुद्रा).—a variety of mudrā in Tantra literature. Abhayamudrā is a Sanskrit com... | |
| Dhyanamudra | Dhyānamudrā (ध्यानमुद्रा).—a prescribed attitude in which to meditate on a deity. Dhyānamudrā i... | |
| Dharmashastra | Dharmaśāstra (धर्मशास्त्र).—The importance of ethics and ethical values (nītiśāstra) is highlig... | |
| Dharmaraja | Dharmarāja (धर्मराज).—A king of Gauḍadeśa. He became King at a time when Jainism was getting mo... | |
| Dharmapala | Dharmapāla (धर्मपाल) of Laramā is the name of one of the teachers of Dhīreśvarācārya (1851... | |
| Sudharma | 1) Sudharmā (सुधर्मा).—The assembly hall of the Devas. (the gods). (Bhāgavata, Skandha 10).2) S... | |
| Kshatradharma | Kṣatradharma (क्षत्रधर्म).—1) bravery, military heroism; क्षत्रधर्महतः (kṣatradharmahataḥ) Ms.5... | |
| Varadamudra |
Varadamudrā (वरदमुद्रा) is a Sanskrit word referring to “the gesture of granting boons”. The... | |
| Dharmagupta | Dharmagupta (धर्मगुप्त).—a. observing and protecting religion. -ptaḥ Name of Viṣṇu. Dharmagupta... | |
| Dharmadhvaja | Dharmadhvaja (धर्मध्वज).—See under Tulasī. | |
| Dharmashala | Dharmaśālā (धर्मशाला).—1) a court of justice, tribunal. 2) any charitabla institution. Dharmaśā... | |
| Dharmadana | Dharmadāna (धर्मदान) refers to “generosity of the Dharma” and represents one of the three kinds... | |
| Dharmakaya |
The four aspects of the Dharmakāya are part of the Sixteen Aspects (ṣoḍaśākārā) of Gnosis (j... |
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Dharmamudra, Dharmamudrā or Dharma-mudra. You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
Appendix 7 - The seals of the Dharma (dharmamudrā, dharma-mudrā) < [Chapter XXXVI - The eight recollections (anusmṛti or anussati)]
II.6. Dharma of unhindered penetration < [II. Recollection of the Dharma (dharmānusmṛti)]
II. Synonymity of the three words < [Part 2 - Understanding dharmatā and its synonyms]
The Great Chariot (by Longchenpa)