Q. In the Gandhara sculptures the preaching Mudra associated with the Buddha’s First Sermon at Sarnath is
(a) abhaya
(b) dhyana
(c) dharmachakra
(d) bhumisparsa
Ans: (c) dharmachakra
Explanation: In the Gandhara sculptures, the preaching Mudra associated with the Buddha’s First Sermon at Sarnath is (c) dharmachakra. The dharmachakra mudra, also known as the “turning the wheel of Dharma” gesture, is a hand gesture commonly depicted in Buddhist art. It is associated with the Buddha’s first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Sarnath, where he taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The dharmachakra mudra is represented by the thumb and index finger forming a circle or wheel, symbolizing the teaching and spreading of the Buddhist doctrine. The abhaya mudra (a) signifies fearlessness, the dhyana mudra (b) represents meditation, and the bhumisparsa mudra (d) represents the moment of the Buddha touching the earth to witness his enlightenment.