Vajradhara is shown embracing his consort, who sits on his lap, symbolizing the union of method (male) and wisdom (female). The same symbolism applies to his attributes vajra (male) and bell (female). His blue color is often associated with the sky. He presides over the eighty-four mahasiddhas, whose teachings are generally classified as the Highest Yoga Tantra. As an a primordial buddha (adibuddha), Vajradhara is thought to encompass each of the Five Buddhas.

Artwork Details

Title
Vajradhara
Dimensions
28 1/8 x 20 in.
Medium
Pigments on cloth
Origin
Tibet
Classification(s)
paintings
Date
18th century
Credit Line
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin
Object number
C2006.66.676
HAR Number
384

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Visualization

Concepts

A meditation technique primarily used in tantric practice that involves imagining a deity in one’s mind or imagining oneself becoming a deity and carrying out various activities. Such techniques are intended to help a practitioner transform ordinary perception and achieve enlightened qualities.

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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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Transmission

Concepts

The passing down of authentic Buddhist teachings from a teacher to a disciple or student, often in the form of a text in a ritualistic context.

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Buddhas

Figure Type

An awakened being who understands the true nature of reality and is free from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. While there are many buddhas, Siddhartha Gautama is the historical Buddha, whose teachings became the foundation of Buddhism.

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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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