This Buddha sits with his hands in a gesture, or mudra, called the bhumisparsa mudra. The right arm hangs over the right knee with plam turned inward and fingers extended downward. The left hand lies on the lap with palm upward.
Paintings and sculptures of Buddhas and bodhisattvas (living buddhas) often show them with their hands in this way. The gesture's other name is Calling the Earth to Witness and connects with the story of when the not-yet-a-Buddah, known then as Siddhartha, sat down under the bodhi tree to seek understanding.
Well, Mara, the embodiment of sin and death, sent demons to frighten, and dancing girls to distract him (I know, I know, but I swear that’s how the story goes). Mara’s one purpose was to assault the Bodhisattva but the Buddha-to-be didn't lose focus. Finally, Mara approached to claim the Bodhisattva's seat directly. He screamed "By what right and authority do you think you can attain enlightenment? Just who do you think you are?"
Siddhartha said nothing in his defense, but touched the Earth, his gesture indicating, this is my right to be here to attain what I seek. When he touched the earth, it’s said, the earth roared her witness and the terrified, defeated Mara fled. And Siddhartha reached Nirvana and became Buddha.
Ever under attack from demons (both internal and external) screaming ‘just who do you think you are? By who’s authority do you think you can say/do/think that?
Pay them no mind. Silent your righteous Vegan self and touch the earth. You are uniquely connected with her profound intelligence and clarity. You really do always know what to do and have the authority to do it. Now you will answer the demons in this way: “With all the authority and power vested in me”.
