t h e  h a n d s p t 3
anjali mudra
This is a common Indian gesture of greeting, respect and reverence, often offered between equals, or from junior to senior. As the Buddha is the most senior of all, it is rarely found on a Buddha statue.

This picture shows Venerable Moggallana, a senior disciple of the Buddha, showing reverence to the Buddha, the mudra a gesture of respect.

varada mudra
The greatest gift anyone can receive is freedom.
In this gesture the open hand is freely giving, nothing at all is held back.

This is a gesture of true charity and generosity and of giving gifts generally, but especially the gift of knowledge that can lead to freedom.