Many times we see Buddhist sculptures and art with the hand up in a gesture called the Dharmachakra Mudra, which is also known as the gesture of the wheel of Dharma. This mudra is a popular hand symbol and it is found more in sculptures and art than in any other part of Buddhism. It is also one of the most significant of Buddhist symbols. This is the mudra that the Buddha showed when he preached and taught. That version of the Dharmachakra Mudra, with the keeping of the Buddha’s wisdom and kindness through further teaching, is what the whole Buddhism necessarily believes as the essence of liberation. The king of the Sadder realm of Buddhism and the embodiment of true knowledge is the Dharmachakra Mudra.
Benefits of Dharmachakra Mudra.
1. Enhances focus and concentration.
Concentration is an important part of the Dharmachakra Mudra since this particular mudra requires that your thumb is connected to the index finger while the remaining three fingers are extended. Throughout the whole body, this position will facilitate the movement of vital energy, which will result in a high level of concentration whenever you sit for meditation or partake in any mindful activity.
2. Balances energy flow.
The thrilling of the index finger and the thumb in Dharmachakra Mudra forms closed circuit, and that allows controlled and auspicious circulation of energy within the body. This neutral circulation facilitates to dissolve blockages, creates a balance and leads to the general well-being.
3. Cultivates inner peace.
When a person takes Dharmachakra Mudra, he/she can achieve a high level of inner peace and calmness inside. The hand position is a clear message of the Buddha’s teachings, which remind the believers of the way to enlightenment and the necessity of living in peace while facing the challenges of life. This is why the Dharmachakra Mudra is perceived as the real symbol of tranquility and happiness when we work and live our lives.
4. Promotes spiritual growth.

Through the wheel of Dharma, the Dharmachakra Mudra becomes instrumental in spiritual progress and evolution. The Dharma wheel prompts one to set a goal of spiritual growth, moral perfection, and gaining knowledge, and that will bring about the deepest connection to themselves.
5. Aids in stress reduction.
This mudra can actually have a significant effect on the reduction of stress and anxiety. Letting the gesture and its symbolic meaning occupy your mind is a way to be less preoccupied with your worries and thus feel not only calmer but also more at peace with yourself.
6. Increases mindfulness.
Being in the Dharmachakra Mudra helps one to be more attentive to the present and truly conscious of all their daily activities. The technique is like a constant source of the idea that it is the present moment that needs to be embraced, the thoughts and actions to be noticed, and the world around them to be experienced to the fullest.
7. Strengthens spiritual connection.
People can attain a robust spiritual connection by performing the Dharmachakra Mudra, thus raising their level of spiritual awareness and deepening their understanding of Buddhist teachings. This mudra of the hand is basically a channel by which spiritual energy flows, and it is the link between the practitioner and the spiritual world besides aiding the pursuit of inner wisdom.
💡 Tips FitMeMore.com The physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits that can be drawn from the Dharmachakra Mudra are numerous. While using this hand sign in their exercises, individuals can gain clarity, flow of energy, inner peace, spiritual development, stress management, mindfulness, and a connection to universe. Living a life with the Dharmachakra Mudra becomes the driver for self and worldwide awareness thus guiding humans to enlightenment and self-realization. |
How to do Dharmachakra Mudra?
The following guideline provides directions for performing the Dharmachakra Mudra:
1. Find a comfortable and peaceful place.
You should start with having a comfortable clean area to sit anywhere without disturbances. Then, it could be a meditation room, a corner in your home that you feel comfortable, and all the places that make you comfortable.
2. Assume a seated position.
And sit in a cushion or in a chair with straight back so that the spine may rest in its natural position. Be seated, with you hands on the knees, palms down.
3. Relax your entire body.
Take a seat with your back held straight and your spine resting in its normal S-curve, using a cushion or chair as the base. Be sure your palms are facing down and the fingers are resting naturally on the legs.
4. Join your index finger and thumb.
Gradually, take your hands to the very front of your body with the tips of your thumb and index finger of each hand lightly touching each other, thus forming a circle. The rest of your fingers should be limp and moderately stretched.
5. Position your hands at the heart level.
Move your clasped hands to your heart level, keeping the elbows slightly away from the body. This gesture represents the association that the heart and mind have thus creating an internal balance inside the person.
6. Engage in mindful breathing.
While doing the Dharmachakra Mudra, concentrate your mind on your breathing and try to breathe in and out in a regulated way. By inhaling and exhaling deeply, you become aware of your senses and your environment.
7. Reflect on the teachings of dharma.
Staying in the Dharmachakra Mudra posture, let your mind ponder on Buddha’s messages or any positive philosophy that you believe in. Focus on the idea of righteousness, the path of truth, and the way it affects your behavior and mentality.
8. Maintain the mudra for a desired duration.
The Dharmachakra Mudra can be maintained for the period of time that feels right for you. Some individuals prefer to retain it for just a few minutes, whereas others may keep it for the entire time of their meditation. Just allow your body to guide you, and do what feels comfortable to you.
9. Release the mudra.
After finishing your practice, separate your hands gently to let go of the Dharmachakra Mudra. Place your hands back on your knees, with palms facing downward.
10. Reflect on your experience.
Take a moment to think about your experience with the Dharmachakra Mudra. Feel the changes in your emotions, mental conditions, or connectedness. Recognize the importance of this mudra in your spiritual undertaking.
💡 Tips FitMeMore.com Remember, the Dharmachakra Mudra is not limited to a specific religious tradition and can be practiced by anyone seeking spiritual growth and enlightenment. Regular practice can deepen your connection with the teachings of dharma and help you cultivate inner peace, wisdom, and compassion in your daily life. |
Who can do Dharmachakra Mudra?
If you are a person who wants to uphold the doctrines of Buddhism and be in touch with them by performing the Dharmachakra Mudra, you can do it.
It is not necessarily just the followers of Buddhism who can perform this mudra but also those who are not Buddhists who would like to inner peace, mindfulness, and spiritual guidance.
The Dharmachakra Mudra is a universal gesture that transcends religious boundaries and welcomes all individuals seeking a deeper understanding of life and the pursuit of truth.
Who should avoid Dharmachakra Mudra?
Although this mudra is generally good and can be done by anyone, there are some people who might choose not to do it. Individuals who have had injuries or physical disabilities in their hands, wrists, or arms may find it to be an uncomfortable or tough move.
People who are suffering from medical problems like arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome are also at risk. For these people, it is always important to be cautious. Listening to your body is always the safe way with the second option being a visit to a doctor or a yoga instructor before the introduction of a new mudra or any type of hand gesture.
What is the best time to do Dharmachakra Mudra?
Always, it is during meditation that this mudra is performed. It is seen as the bearer of equilibrium, peace, and the divine. Among the several ways suggested that one can decide to do the Dharmachakra Mudra at the time of their normal meditation session is more popular.
It could be in the morning for a wake that awakens the mind to focus and be at peace or in the evening for relaxation and reflection. The truth is, the most suitable moment is to have the Dharmachakra Mudra when one feels the need and when it repeats the spiritual practices of the individual.
Bottom Line.
One of the well-known hand gestures, the Dharmachakra Mudra, has very profound spiritual and cultural meanings connected to it. This mudra indicates the turning back of the Wheel of Dharma which conveys the idea of the teachings of Buddha and the way to enlightenment. As this mudra gives the ability to induce mindfulness, learners are able to achieve wisdom and compassion as well.
Creating a link to the content in time through a practice is an individual’s way of getting in touch with the teachings of the Buddha and finding their own spiritual journey. The Dharmachakra Mudra icon is the most critical of them all because people can mark their journey to the other side of the world-without any help at all. The practice and its symbolism are the sole motivation and the nourishment for people in search of peace and enlightenment.
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Jul 3, 2025
Written By: Sarah Waskevich
Reviewed By: Katy Insley
Written By: Sarah Waskevich
Reviewed By: Katy Insley