Mudras, Hand Positions of the Buddha (Golden Buddha, Bangkok) Mudras are a non-verbal mode of communication and self-expression, consisting of hand gestures and finger-postures. Mudras are gestures which symbolize divine manifestation. They are also used by monks in their spiritual exercises of ritual meditation and concentration. In interpretation, each of the fingers, starting with the thumb, is identified with one of the five elements, namely the sky, wind, fire, water, and the earth. Their contact with each other symbolizes the synthesis of these elements, significant because every form in this universe is said to be composed of a unique combination of these elements. Mudras induce the deity to be near the worshipper. Bhumisparsha Mudra; Earth Touching, Calling the Earth to Witness is depicted in this image. Literally Bhumisparsha translates into 'touching the earth'. This mudra, formed with all five fingers of the right hand extended to touch the ground, symbolizes the Buddha's enlightenment under the bodhi tree. The right hand, placed upon the right knee in earth-touching mudra is complemented by the left hand-which is held flat in the lap in the Dhyana mudra of meditation. The Dhyana mudra may be made with one or both hands. When made with a single hand the left one is placed in the lap, while the right may be engaged elsewhere.