Consider the following pairs: Symbolic Gesture (Mudra) Associated Meaning 1. Dharmachakra Mudra Gesture of setting the Wheel of Law in motion, associated with the First Sermon at Sarnath 2. Vitarka Mudra Gesture of intellectual discussion, teaching, and explanation of doctrines 3. Vajra Mudra Gesture of knowledge and ultimate truth, characteristic of esoteric rituals Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? |ForumIAS

[A] 1 only

[B] 1 and 2 only

[C] 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Notes:

Explanation:

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Dharmachakra Mudra represents the turning of the wheel of Dharma, symbolizing the historical First Sermon delivered by Gautama Buddha in the Deer Park at Sarnath.
Pair 2 is correctly matched: Vitarka Mudra (thumb touching index finger forming a circle) represents debate, discussion, and doctrinal instruction.
Pair 3 is correctly matched: Vajra Mudra (index finger of one hand enclosed by the fist of the other) symbolizes transcendental wisdom and spiritual unity in Vajrayana iconographic traditions.