Pastel and ink on paper

38 x 29 inches (frame)

012

Vajradhara Buddha is the source of all the manifestations of enlightenment. His name means “holder of the vajra,” meaning that he is the holder or protector of Tantra, also known as Vajrayana, the form of Buddhism practiced in Tibet. The vajra is a ritual object with circular open terminals. Vajra also means lightning or thunderbolt, so the idea is that Vajrayana Buddhism is the quick way to enlightenment, compared with the two other forms of Buddhism, Mahayana and Theraveda. His arms are crossed at the wrists, with the vajra (compassion) in his right hand and the bell (wisdom) in his left. This gesture symbolizes enlightenment, defined by Buddhism as the union of compassion and wisdom. This image was taken from a 15th c. Tibetan thanka.