Hinduism shows the earliest recorded knowledge and analysis
of Mudras. The earliest documentations are found in Mantra Shastra (the book of
incantations), Upasana Shastra (the book of worship and prayers) and the Nritya
Shastra (the
book of classical dances).The mudra has a deep relationship
to one of the oldest records of ancient
Chinese civilization, the Book of Changes (Yijing).
In Christian art Jesus, John the Baptist and Virgin Mary are
shown in various Mudras. Reference may be had from the book "The sign
Language of the Mysteries" by J.S.M.Ward. Even today, the sign used by the
priests of Catholic
Churches while blessing the devotees, is known as
"Mahagyan Mudra" Egyptian hieroglyphics are a virtual treasure house
of mudras. The postures of their kings and queens even as mummies show them
holding mudras.
The Babylonian sun God Damuzi depicts Mudras while
descending into the underworld. In Islam, the mystical Whirling Dervishes used
Hand signs or Mudras for various rites and rituals. Roman art is replete with
mudras. In the Orient these can be observed in the rituals and rites of the
rich cultural traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism in India, Tibet, China, Japan
Indonesia etc. The paintings in the caves of Ajanta and sculptures in the
Ellora caves, dating back to 2nd. and 1st. centuries BC show innumerable
mudras.
No comments:
Post a Comment