The gesture of ‘earth-touching’ (Sanskrit: Bhumisparsha) is perhaps more commonly know as the ‘earth witness’ or ‘earth-touch’ gesture.  This gesture is performed by extending the right hand downwards to touch the ground with its fingertips.  It symbolizes the precise moment when the awakening Buddha, Shakyamuni, vanquished the army of Mara beneath the bodhi-tree and summoned the goddess of the earth Sthavara, to bear witness to his countless acts of sacrifice.  Shakyamuni Buddha is commonly represented upon his enlightenment throne with his right hand touching the earth, and his left hand resting upon his lap in the gesture of meditation.  This symbolizes the union of hi method or skillful means in overcoming Mara (right hand), through the perfect wisdom of his deep meditation upon emptiness (left hand).  The earth touching gesture is also the mudra of Akshobya, the ‘Unshakable’ blue Buddha of the center or eastern direction.

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