Vajradhara Traditional Thangka

Description

Vajradhara Traditional Thangka is is hand painted on cotton canvas in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Iconography of Vajradhara

Vajradhara is a term that refers to the holder of the lightning scepter, which has been associated with transformation and power since ancient times. The word “vajra” is derived from Sanskrit, combining the syllables “va,” meaning to bear or carry, “ja,” symbolizing energy, and “ra,” signifying rising, overcoming, or strength.

A vajra scepter is a special object that embodies the principle of change. Conjoined prongs at each end denote lightning bolts and they’re being conjoined denotes latent self reacting energy. In effect as important to Buddhism as the Cross to Christianity.

TThe Vajra is composed of four prongs surrounding a fifth central one, making five in total. It is a representation of lightning, which is more commonly associated with Hinduism. Varjadhara is depicted with his arms crossed in a gesture of triumph over the Three Worlds, accompanied by the syllable ‘Hum’, and seated on a lotus seat.

The Vajrasana, or Position of Transcendent Change, is a combination of the lotus seat and the crossed arms mudra. This posture is associated with Vajradhara, a figure in Vajrayana Buddhism, and is symbolized by the white sash draped across his chest, which represents the purity and essence of the school.

In fact, Mahayana & Hinayana both arise from the ancient Vajrayana tradition of personal transformation.