mudra

n. (Buddhism and Hinduism) type of symbolic hand gesture

A mudrā (Sanskrit, मुद्रा, literally "seal") is a symbolic gesture used in the iconography of Hindu and Buddhist art of the Indian subcontinent. Mudra gestures are usually made with the hand or/and fingers. Along with āsanas (seated postures), they are employed in the yoga meditation practice of Dharmic religions. Each mudrā has a specific quality that is said to be imparted to the practitioner. Common hand gestures are to be seen in both Hindu and Buddhist iconography. In some regions, for example Thailand and Laos different but related iconographic conventions are used.
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Noun
1. ritual hand movement in Hindu religious dancing
(hypernym) gesture

Mudra (Sanskrit) A symbol of power over invisible evil influences, whether as a simple posture or a posture considered as a talisman. Applied to certain positions of the fingers practiced in devotion, meditation, or exoteric religious worship, thought by some to imitate ancient Sanskrit characters, and therefore to have magic efficacy and to have a particular esoteric significance. Used both in the Northern Buddhist Yogacharya school and by the Hindu Tantrikas, with both symbolic and practical meanings.

Symbolic hand gestures used in ritual or dance. The Buddha is often depicted with his hands in the meditation mudra or in the mudra symbolizing teaching. In Vajrayana, the gestures enlarge to involve the entire body, and they enable the gesturer to interact with Tantric deities.