There are certain negative traits in life that never allow us to progress with fullest of our potential. Among them, fear is one of the major traits that hinder our growth, progress and decision making skills. Indeed, controlled fear can be beneficial as it helps us to be cautious and stay alert. Besides, it helps us to prepare in advance for what may come. 

But when the same fear expands its limit, it impacts a specific section of the brain known as amygdala. Once the fear adversely impacts this section of the brain, the cerebral cortex becomes impaired. It is the same area of the brain that results in harnessing reasoning and judgment, and if it is not functioning properly then it can cloud our critical thinking and decision making. An advanced level of fear and stress and even make the person a victim of chronic anxiety and depression. 

What the Buddha Said About Fear?

As per various Buddhist scriptures, the Buddha actually faced the occasions of fear with utmost confidence and overcame rather than submitting in front of them. Be it passing through a strange and frightening forest or facing a mad elephant named Nalagiri amidst an evil scheme plotted to kill him. As per the Buddha, fear is a temporary state of mind and it is important to face them down. He also helped in making a clear distinction between skillful fear and unskillful fear. 

MUST READ: How Different Mudras and Colors of the Buddha Statues Influence your Home and Garden Vastu?

The Buddha and His Mudra of Fearlessness 

The mudra that the Buddha took to instill confidence and dispel fear and uncertainty is Abhaya Mudra. ‘Abhaya’ is a Sanskrit term used for fearlessness and featured by the right hand in the gesture to “stop”. It is an indication of stopping all kinds of negative traits associated with fear, stress, lack of confidence and anxiety from entering into a periphery. The gesture made by the right hand of the Buddha is also a mark of blessing and assurance. You can find Gautama Buddha sculptures in abhaya mudra in both sitting and standing posture. But it is the sitting Buddha statue in abhay mudra which is nowadays a more popular one.  

This ancient hand gesture is also deemed as a sign of peace and friendship. Placing the hand up and open indicates the fact that the person is free of weapons and comes in peace. It is the peace that results in stability and tranquility of mind. This mudra of fearlessness generated the spiritual power of the Buddha or Bodhisattva while portraying it. 

How Abhaya Mudra is Made?

The mudra is practised especially in front of a stone Buddha idol and initiated by raising the right hand to the chest level and the palm extended outward. The left hand is immaculately placed with palm up on the lap. The statue underscores courage and known to offer protection against fear, delusion and anger. For the best results, it is advisable to only buy a natural stone abhaya Buddha sculpture as its composition would be free of impurities. It can be a sandstone abhaya mudra Buddha statue, white marble abhaya mudra Buddha statue, black marble abhaya mudra Buddha statue. 

MUST READ: Which Buddha Stone Sculptures are Beneficial for Students at Home and School?

Where to Place? 

For the best results against the negative traits of stress, fear, anxiety, depression and lack of confidence, it is recommended to place this fearless Buddha statue at the entryways of your residential and commercial properties. It will halt the entry of evil and negative energies to the property. The face of the stone Buddha statue should be facing east, the direction from where the Sun rises.