Postcard Buddha with tree

The image of the Buddha touching the earth with his right hand, known as the “Bhūmisparśa mudra” or “earth-touching gesture,” represents a crucial moment in Siddhartha Gautama’s enlightenment. During his meditation under the Bodhi tree, Mara (the demon of illusion) attempted to dissuade him from attaining enlightenment through temptations and threats. In response, Buddha touched the earth with his right hand, invoking the Earth as a witness to his spiritual commitment and challenging Mara’s illusions. This gesture symbolizes firmness, determination, and a deep connection to fundamental reality, representing how truth and persistence can triumph over illusions and inner obstacles.