Dharmamudrā (Sanskrit, Chinese: 法印) is a Buddhist term translated as "the seal of the dharma" or "the distinguishing mark of the dharma". A related term is the three marks of existence. It is generally interpreted as the "seal" or "mark" that distinguish the Buddhist teachings from non-Buddhist ones. Dharmamudrā also provides doctrinal insight that distinguishes the definitive teachings of Buddhism from the provisional teachings.
One general type is called Trilakṣaṇā dharmamudrā (Sanskrit; Chinese: 三法印), or the three marks:
Impermanence: All compounded things are characterized by impermanence.
Non-self: All existing things are characterized by the lack of a self.
Nirvana: Nirvana is characterized by uncompounded quiescence.
Free English Dharma Books from Buddhist Text Translation Society
