The Abhaya Mudra is referred to as the "pose of dispelling fear." It is the Sanskrit word 'fearlessness' and this mudra or pose is commonly seen in Buddha statues. It symbolizes peace and protection and is believed to create energy that removes fear and doubt. This pose can be recognized by the position of the right arm. In the dispelling fear mudra, the palm of the hand faces out at shoulder height and the arm is slightly bent. This Buddhist symbol of courage emphasizes the spiritual power of the Buddha or bodhisattva who makes it. A bodhisattva is being who has achieved an enlightened state and embraced the Buddhahood. The mudra can also be thought of as a symbol of friendship as the hands are empty and weaponless. The position is often misinterpreted by Westerners as an indication to "stop, but" it really courage in the face of danger. Buddhist historians believe that the dispelling fear mudra was the gesture made by the Buddha Shakyamuni just after he achieved enlightenment. Stories from Buddhist mythology often tell of the Buddha's speak of is use of the this mudra to pacify the enemies who threatened him. Only a Buddha statue or bodhisattva sculpture would be seen in the dispelling fear pose, as it is only useful to those who have achieved enlightenment. In Thailand and Laos, the pose is most commonly seen in images of Buddha in a standing position.
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