Abhaya in Sanskrit means fearlessness. Thus this Mudra symbolises protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear. It made with the right hand raised to shoulder height, the arm crooked, the palm of the hand facing outward, and the fingers upright and joined. The left hand hangs down at the side of the body. In Thailand, and especially in Laos, this Mudra is associated with the movement of the walking Buddha (also called 'The Buddha Placing His Footprint'). It is nearly always used in images showing the Buddha upright, either immobile with the feet joined, or walking.