Buddha blessing earth statue (bronze) in black & gold as shown in the photo.

Depictions of Buddha almost always depict him sitting, standing or lying in precise postures. His body and his hands are often placed in a particular pose or asana that integrates Buddhist symbolism. This conscious placement of the body and in particular the hands is called a mudra. This symbolic gesture invites a specific intention. Many statues or images show Buddha sitting with his legs crossed. His left hand rests in his lap with the palm facing upwards. His right hand dangles over his right knee, all five fingers reaching out to touch the earth. This representation of Buddha captures the moment he attained and claimed enlightenment. While Buddha was meditating under a Bodhi, Māra tried to tempt him. Māra is sometimes called 'Lord of the senses' or 'Lord of death'. He represents desires and the things we hold on to that can hinder us from achieving non-attachment, and thus enlightenment. Māra tried to seduce Buddha out of his meditative state several times. First. he sent messengers with news that rivals had seized the throne from Gautama Buddha's family. Remember, Buddha was a prince who was enthroned before he began his journey of enlightenment.