Vajrasattva

Description

Vajrasattva is highly decorated with jewels and ornaments and is seated in meditation asana. He carries a vajra (thunderbolt) in his right hand which destroys all kinds of ignorance and is indestructible and a ghanta (bell) in the left which symbolizes the female principle. In tantric rituals, their interaction leads to enlightenment.

Vajrasattva is locked in close embrace (yab-yum) with his Shakti. His Shakti holds a kartri (curved knife) in her right hand which symbolizes the severance of all material possessions and a kapala (skull cup) in her left. Yab-Yum (Tibetan) is a tantric symbol of mystic union of male and female polarities. Masculine energy is compassion, and feminine energy is wisdom. The two acting in consort is the enlightened mind.

The masculine form is passive, representing the compassion and skillful means (upaya) that have to be developed in order to reach enlightenment. The feminine form is active and represents wisdom (prajna), which is also necessary to achieve enlightenment. United, the figures symbolize the union necessary to overcome the veils of Maya, the false duality of object and subject. The sacred Tantric practice leads to rapid development of mind by using the experience of bliss, non-duality, and ecstasy while in union with one’s consort.

Vajrasattva, the sixth Dhyani Buddha, is regarded by the Nepali Buddhist as the priest of the Five Dhyani Buddha’s. He is not represented in the stupa like other Dhyani Buddha’s, but independent shrines are dedicated to his worship. His worship is always performed in secret and is not open to those who are not initiated into the mysteries of the Vajrayana.