Touching the Earth (Bhumisparsa) is the most common mudra, which symbolises an important episode in the life of the Buddha. When meditating under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya (India), determined to reach enlightenment, His enemy Mara, the Earth Goddess, seduced him with young maidens. The Buddha then touched the Earth with one hand, showing the Earth Goddess how strong He was mentally. That very moment He became enlightened.
