Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh, India
11th century
This gesture is that of embracing a consort and is symbolic of bringing together two aspects of enlightenment: wisdom and method.
Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh, India
11th century
The art of Kashmir, in the northwest of India, has had a great influence on Tibetan Buddhist art, not only in terms of style but also for its development and depiction of early Esoteric, or Tantric, deities. Many of the earliest Himalayan bronzes depicting deities with multiple heads and limbs are from this region, as is this six-armed, three-headed image of the meditation deity Manjuvajra as described in the Secret Assembly (Guhyasamaja) Tantra.This bronze shows a number of elements typical of objects from Kashmir, including a crown formed with three crescents, rosettes above the figure’s ear, sophisticated inlays (such as seen here in the dot or tuft of hair on the forehead [urna]), long garlands, and textile patterns on the clothing. Manjuvajra is an Esoteric form of the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, Manjushri, and in his hands he holds objects typically held by that deity, including a sword for cutting through ignorance, a blue lily (utpala), and a bow and arrow. His two forward-most hands with wrists crossed perform a gesture representing the union of perfect wisdom and skillful means.
This gesture is that of embracing a consort and is symbolic of bringing together two aspects of enlightenment: wisdom and method.
Also known as vajra position, this posture is associated with meditation.
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.
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.
Beings who aspire to become fully awakened like the Buddha and are dedicated to helping others on the path to enlightenment.
From the 8th to 13th century, Kashmir was a renowned center of Buddhist learning, arts, and culture. This fertile valley was a major source of artistic production for the western Himalayan kingdoms, which spanned parts of northern India and the Ngari region of western Tibet.
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