Vajrayogini is one of the central meditational deities (yidam) in the Sakya Buddhist tradition. She represents the state of full enlightenment achieved through a tantric practice of which she is the main focus. In this sculpture she gazes upward, holding a skull cup in one hand and a curved knife in another and balancing a staff in the nook of her arm. A garland of skulls drapes her body, posed in a dynamic stance. The sculpture portrays the energy and power of the deity and is complemented by the detailed rendering of her flaming body halo.

Artwork Details

Title
Vajrayogini
Dimensions
6 3/4 × 3 7/8 × 2 in.
Medium
Metal alloy
Origin
Tibet
Classification(s)
sculpture
Date
17th century
Credit Line
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
Object number
C2002.47.2
HAR Number
65177

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Meditation

Concepts

A contemplative practice in which a person uses concentration and visualization to achieve aims such as transforming the mind and generating feelings of compassion. Techniques include focusing on breathing or visualizing oneself as a deity.

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Tantrism

Concepts

A religious movement that originated in India around the fifth to seventh century with sacred writings and esoteric teachings and practices transmitted from teacher to student through initiation. These remain an important part of Hinduism and Buddhism today. 

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Ritual

Concepts

Prescribed practices that carry symbolic meaning and value within a specific tradition and are intended to attain a desired outcome. Rituals are usually done as part of a ceremony or regular routine.

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Female Deities

Figure Type

Female bodhisattvas and tantric deities embody specific enlightened qualities such as wisdom, power, and protection, and can be peaceful or wrathful in appearance.

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Tibetan Regions

Region

Today, Tibetans primarily inhabit the Tibetan Plateau, situated between the Himalayan mountain range and the Indian subcontinent to the west, Chinese cultural regions to the east, and Mongolian cultural regions to the northeast. During the 7th to 9th century, Tibetan rulers expanded their empire across Central Asia, and established Buddhism as the state religion.

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